J1 League Regular Season - 17

JEF United Chiba 0 - 2 FT Kashima

Fukuda Denshi Arena

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
66
FT
Sun, May 17
日本語
JEF United Chiba
0-2
Kashima
⚡ Intensity 52
⚖️ Balance 13
🏆 Stakes 100
🎲 Upset 0
Kashima ruthlessly exploit Chiba's red card.

Kashima Turn the Screw on Ten-Man Chiba

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 66/100. A flawless away performance at Fukuda Denshi Arena showcased Kashima’s title credentials while plunging JEF United Chiba deeper into relegation despair.

The Champion's Grip

The Stakes could not have been higher at Fukuda Denshi Arena, with the hosts desperately fighting for survival and the visitors chasing the title. JEF United Chiba attempted to frustrate the league leaders early on, but Kashima quickly established total control. Dominating possession with 61% of the ball, the visitors dictated the tempo and starved their opponents of meaningful chances. The early Balance of the match shifted completely in the 43rd minute. Yuma Suzuki unlocked the defence with a precise pass, allowing Ryotaro Araki to finish with clinical precision. It was a hammer blow just before the interval that set the tone for the rest of the contest.

A Reckless Moment

Any hopes of a spirited second-half fightback were extinguished in the 61st minute. Carlinhos Junior was shown a straight red card, instantly draining the Intensity out of the hosts' resistance. Reduced to ten men, Chiba found themselves chasing shadows against a Kashima side that expertly utilised the extra space. The home side resorted to tactical fouls, racking up 14 infringements in a desperate bid to disrupt the rhythm, but Kashima remained entirely unbothered. They moved the ball with supreme confidence, registering an 84% passing accuracy as they calmly awaited the perfect moment to deliver the final blow.

The Super Sub Strikes

The knockout punch arrived late, confirming an exceedingly low Upset Factor. Introduced in the 76th minute, substitute Shu Morooka took just twelve minutes to make his mark, finding the back of the net in the 88th minute to seal the 2-0 victory. This clinical finish keeps Kashima comfortably perched at the summit of the J1 League with 37 points. For Chiba, stranded at the bottom of the table with a dreadful defensive record, the result deepens the gloom of an already gruelling relegation battle. Time is rapidly running out for them to find an escape route.

Key Questions

How did the red card for Carlinhos Junior impact the match?

The 61st-minute dismissal killed Chiba's momentum, leaving them with ten men and allowing Kashima to comfortably dictate the final half-hour with their man advantage.

What does this mean for JEF United Chiba's season?

Stuck at the bottom of the table with just 12 points, this defeat leaves Chiba in severe danger, making their relegation battle increasingly desperate.

How did substitute Ryotaro Araki change the game?

Although starting the match rather than coming off the bench, Araki completely controlled the midfield and scored the vital opening goal just before half-time.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
39%
61%
JEF United Chiba 39%
Kashima 61%
Shots
9
12
JEF United Chiba 9
Kashima 12
Shots on Target
3
5
JEF United Chiba 3
Kashima 5
Passes
300
495
JEF United Chiba 300
Kashima 495
Pass Accuracy
77%
84%
JEF United Chiba 77%
Kashima 84%
Corners
9
0
JEF United Chiba 9
Kashima 0
Fouls
14
11
JEF United Chiba 14
Kashima 11
Yellow Cards
3
0
JEF United Chiba 3
Kashima 0
Red Cards
1
0
JEF United Chiba 1
Kashima 0

Match Events

R. Araki (Y. Suzuki) 43'
45'+3 🟨 Carlinhos Junior
HT
46' 🔄 M. Shinada T. Yasui
54' 🟨 Z. Issaka
61' 🟨 Carlinhos Junior
61' 🟥 Carlinhos Junior
G. Shibasaki Y. Higuchi 🔄 62'
A. Cavric Y. Matsumura 🔄 63'
71' 🔄 M. Himeno H. Goya
71' 🔄 Z. Issaka K. Tanaka
R. Araki S. Morooka 🔄 76'
K. Anzai R. Koike 🔄 76'
85' 🔄 T. Tsukui N. Sugiyama
Leo Ceara H. Hayashu 🔄 87'
S. Morooka 88'
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

JEF United Chiba

Goalkeepers
José Aurelio Suárez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Issei Takahashi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ryota Kuboniwa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takashi Kawano
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Masaru Hidaka
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
71%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
Zain Issaka
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Manato Shinada
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Takayuki Mae
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takumi Tsukui
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
5
Late Mins
5
Late Mins
85
Total Mins
85
Entry
Forwards
Makoto Himeno
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
5
Fouls Won
5
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Carlinhos Junior
FRIENDLY FIRE
FRIENDLY FIRE
Red Card
Mistake
Red Card
Mistake
3
Fouls
5.9
Rating
BENCH
Ryota Suzuki
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Koki Yonekura
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takuya Yasui
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Taishi Taguchi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuma Igari
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Naohiro Sugiyama
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
5
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Eduardo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kazuki Tanaka
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hiroto Goya
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Kashima

Goalkeepers
Tomoki Hayakawa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Kimito Nono
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Naomichi Ueda
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
58%
Pass Acc
Tae-hyeon Kim
MAGNET
MAGNET
97
Activity
97
Activity
93
Passes
4
Duels
Koki Anzai
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Midfielders
Ryotaro Araki
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Gaku Shibasaki
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
62
Entry
Kento Misao
MAGNET
MAGNET
64
Activity
64
Activity
49
Passes
15
Duels
Aleksandar Čavrić
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
63
Entry
Forwards
Léo Ceará
NPC
NPC
87
Minutes
87
Minutes
10%
Pass Acc
6.9
Rating
Yuma Suzuki
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
6.7
Rating
BENCH
Yuji Kajikawa
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Keisuke Tsukui
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ryuta Koike
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuta Matsumura
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuta Higuchi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kei Chinen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Haruki Hayashi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
3
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yu Funabashi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shu Morooka
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
88
Goal Time
88
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.2
Rating

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
03/22/2026 Kashima 2 - 1 JEF United Chiba J1 League Mercari Stadium
12/23/2012 JEF United Chiba 0 - 1 Kashima Emperor Cup Ajinomoto Stadium
03/22/2026
J1 League Mercari Stadium
12/23/2012
Emperor Cup Ajinomoto Stadium
JEF United Chiba Win
Kashima Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Kashima 17 40 28 9 +19 WJEF United Chiba 0 - 2 Kashima (17-05-2026)DYokohama F. Marinos 1 - 1 (PEN 4-5) Kashima (10-05-2026)WKashima 3 - 0 Mito Hollyhock (06-05-2026)DKashima 1 - 1 (PEN 4-2) Machida Zelvia (03-05-2026)LTokyo Verdy 2 - 1 Kashima (29-04-2026)
2 FC Tokyo 17 33 28 15 +13 DUrawa 0 - 0 (PEN 9-10) FC Tokyo (16-05-2026)WFC Tokyo 2 - 1 Tokyo Verdy (10-05-2026)LFC Tokyo 0 - 3 JEF United Chiba (06-05-2026)WFC Tokyo 2 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (02-05-2026)WKashiwa Reysol 1 - 3 FC Tokyo (29-04-2026)
3 Machida Zelvia 17 29 22 19 +3 DKawasaki Frontale 1 - 1 (PEN 5-4) Machida Zelvia (17-05-2026)DMachida Zelvia 0 - 0 (PEN 4-2) Tokyo Verdy (13-05-2026)WJEF United Chiba 0 - 2 Machida Zelvia (10-05-2026)WMachida Zelvia 2 - 0 Yokohama F. Marinos (06-05-2026)DKashima 1 - 1 (PEN 4-2) Machida Zelvia (03-05-2026)
4 Urawa 17 25 25 17 +8 DUrawa 0 - 0 (PEN 9-10) FC Tokyo (16-05-2026)WMito Hollyhock 1 - 4 Urawa (09-05-2026)WKashiwa Reysol 0 - 1 Urawa (06-05-2026)WUrawa 2 - 0 JEF United Chiba (02-05-2026)WUrawa 2 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (29-04-2026)
5 Tokyo Verdy 17 25 19 19 0 WMito Hollyhock 0 - 1 Tokyo Verdy (16-05-2026)DMachida Zelvia 0 - 0 (PEN 4-2) Tokyo Verdy (13-05-2026)LFC Tokyo 2 - 1 Tokyo Verdy (10-05-2026)LKawasaki Frontale 1 - 0 Tokyo Verdy (06-05-2026)WTokyo Verdy 1 - 0 Kashiwa Reysol (03-05-2026)
6 Kawasaki Frontale 17 22 20 26 -6 DKawasaki Frontale 1 - 1 (PEN 5-4) Machida Zelvia (17-05-2026)LKashiwa Reysol 1 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (10-05-2026)WKawasaki Frontale 1 - 0 Tokyo Verdy (06-05-2026)LFC Tokyo 2 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (02-05-2026)LUrawa 2 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (29-04-2026)
7 Yokohama F. Marinos 17 17 22 29 -7 LYokohama F. Marinos 0 - 1 Kashiwa Reysol (16-05-2026)DYokohama F. Marinos 1 - 1 (PEN 4-5) Kashima (10-05-2026)LMachida Zelvia 2 - 0 Yokohama F. Marinos (06-05-2026)DYokohama F. Marinos 1 - 1 (PEN 1-3) Mito Hollyhock (02-05-2026)WJEF United Chiba 2 - 3 Yokohama F. Marinos (29-04-2026)
8 Kashiwa Reysol 17 16 17 22 -5 WYokohama F. Marinos 0 - 1 Kashiwa Reysol (16-05-2026)WKashiwa Reysol 1 - 0 Kawasaki Frontale (10-05-2026)LKashiwa Reysol 0 - 1 Urawa (06-05-2026)LTokyo Verdy 1 - 0 Kashiwa Reysol (03-05-2026)LKashiwa Reysol 1 - 3 FC Tokyo (29-04-2026)
9 Mito Hollyhock 17 14 18 32 -14 LMito Hollyhock 0 - 1 Tokyo Verdy (16-05-2026)LMito Hollyhock 1 - 4 Urawa (09-05-2026)LKashima 3 - 0 Mito Hollyhock (06-05-2026)DYokohama F. Marinos 1 - 1 (PEN 1-3) Mito Hollyhock (02-05-2026)DMito Hollyhock 2 - 2 (PEN 3-4) Machida Zelvia (29-04-2026)
10 JEF United Chiba 17 12 16 27 -11 LJEF United Chiba 0 - 2 Kashima (17-05-2026)LJEF United Chiba 0 - 2 Machida Zelvia (10-05-2026)WFC Tokyo 0 - 3 JEF United Chiba (06-05-2026)LUrawa 2 - 0 JEF United Chiba (02-05-2026)LJEF United Chiba 2 - 3 Yokohama F. Marinos (29-04-2026)