Yokohama F·Marinos defeat Newcastle in J.League International Series finale

Yokohama F·Marinos defeat Newcastle in J.League International Series finale

Yokohama F·Marinos got the best of Newcastle United on Saturday, toppling the English Premier League side at the Japan National Stadium, 2-0, to wrap up the J.League International Series 2024 powered by docomo.

The Newcastle and F·Marinos fans brought great energy to Kokuritsu on Saturday, with the atmosphere buzzing hours before kick-off. It didn't take long for the action on the pitch to heat up as well, with Alexander Isak and Sean Longstaff forcing Hiroki Iikura into some adventurous and impressive saves early on.

On the other side, the Tricolor also threatened, with Yan Matheus and Kenta Inoue going close.

While F·Marinos mostly attacked down the left on, it was the right side that provided their breakthrough. A good move freed Keigo Sakakibara down the right, where he picked out a streaking Élber with an inch-perfect cross that the Brazilian lashed home first-time.

Armed with an opening goal, F·Marinos grew in confidence and their supporters made their presence known as "Yokohama" chants filled the Japan National Stadium going into halftime.

Newcastle made seven substitutions at the break and F·Marinos immediately put pressure on the changed Magpies side in the second period of play.

A chance right after the whistle went wide, but the Tricolor hit moments later through Jun Amano. Yuta Koike fought to win a ball just before it went over the end line and immediately delivered a pass to Amano, who made no mistake in front of goal and slotted the ball into the net for the 2-0 F·Marinos lead.

The Tricolor continued to push, with Yuhi Murakami seemingly scoring Yokohama's third, only to have it denied by the offside flag.

Newcastle endeavored to mount a comeback in the final 15 minutes, but it was not to be, with the hosts defending their box with spirit and confidence, turning every attack from the Magpies well away from danger.

When the final whistle went, the Tricolor fans exploded with joy; in a season that has been so difficult at times, they demonstrated what they can do against a team with as much talent and quality as Newcastle.

It was a fitting and enjoyable end to the J.League International Series 2024 powered by docomo - an event that has given fans throughout the J.League so much entertainment against top European opposition.

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