J1 League Regular Season - 15
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 1 PEN 4-5 Vissel Kobe
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
42' M. Kato (S. Higashi)
HT
↓ D. Sasaki ↑R. Hirose 46'
↓ M. Mitsuta ↑R. Komatsu 46'
Y. Ideguchi 53'
R. Komatsu 63'
↓ K. Nagato ↑Diego 66'
↓ Y. Kuwasaki ↑M. Hidaka 71'
72' ↓ M. Kato ↑R. Germain
M. Thuler 72'
75' S. Nakamura
77' T. Yamasaki
81' ↓ S. Nakamura ↑A. Suzuki
81' ↓ Y. Nakajima ↑T. Shichi
↓ T. Yamakawa ↑Caetano 90'
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goalkeepers
Osako Keisuke 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Shiotani Tsukasa 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
44%
Pass Acc
Yamasaki Taichi 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
Sasaki Sho
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
Shuto Nakano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kawabe Hayao 
MAGNET
64
Activity
64
Activity
51
Passes
13
Duels
Yotaro Nakajima
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
49%
Pass Acc
Higashi Shunki
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
1
Assists
27%
Pass Acc
Forwards
Kato Mutsuki 
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
4
Shots
7.3
Rating
Sota Nakamura
LATE SHIFT
9
Late Mins
9
Late Mins
81
Total Mins
81
Entry
Kinoshita Kosuke
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
Issei Ouchi 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Shichi Takaaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Daiki Suga
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Chajima Yusuke
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Motoki Ohara
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shimon Kobayashi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ryo Germain
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Maeda Naoki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Akito Suzuki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Vissel Kobe
Goalkeepers
Shuichi Gonda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Gotoku Sakai
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tetsushi Yamakawa 
SWEEPER
8
Cleanups
8
Cleanups
4
Interceptions
4
Blocks
Thuler 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Katsuya Nagato
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
16%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Makoto Mitsuta
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Yuya Kuwasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
71
Total Mins
71
Entry
Yosuke Ideguchi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
Yoshinori Muto
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
96
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuya Osako
MAGNET
46
Activity
46
Activity
22
Passes
24
Duels
Daiju Sasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
BENCH
Daiya Maekawa
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Rikuto Hirose
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
51
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Diego
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Caetano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
6
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Boniface Nduka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mitsuki Hidaka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuta Goke
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kento Hamasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ren Komatsu 
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
51
Minutes
7.7
Rating
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/27/2026 | Vissel Kobe | 2 - 1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | Noevir Stadium |
| 11/16/2025 | Vissel Kobe | 2 - 0 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Emperor Cup | Noevir Stadium |
| 08/20/2025 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 0 - 1 | Vissel Kobe | J1 League | Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima |
| 07/02/2025 | Vissel Kobe | 1 - 0 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | Noevir Stadium |
| 02/08/2025 | Vissel Kobe | 0 - 2 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Super Cup | Japan National Stadium |
| 07/05/2024 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1 - 3 | Vissel Kobe | J1 League | Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima Stadium |
| 03/16/2024 | Vissel Kobe | 0 - 0 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | NOEVIR Stadium Kobe |
| 09/16/2023 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2 - 0 | Vissel Kobe | J1 League | EDION Stadium |
| 05/13/2023 | Vissel Kobe | 2 - 0 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 League | NOEVIR Stadium Kobe |
| 04/19/2023 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2 - 1 | Vissel Kobe | J-League Cup | EDION Stadium |
03/27/2026
11/16/2025
08/20/2025
07/02/2025
02/08/2025
07/05/2024
03/16/2024
09/16/2023
05/13/2023
04/19/2023
Sanfrecce Hiroshima Win
Vissel Kobe Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Leaders Vissel Kobe Survive Sanfrecce Shootout Drama
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 35/100. Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima witnessed a gripping encounter where home dominance was ultimately undone by goalkeeping heroics and a nerve-shredding penalty finale.
Early Dominance Undone
Sanfrecce Hiroshima came out of the blocks with clear intent at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, controlling possession at 59% and pinning the league leaders back into their own half from the outset. The sheer Intensity of their pressing yielded handsome rewards just before the interval. In the 42nd minute, S. Higashi carved open the visitors' defence with a sublime pass, allowing M. Kato to slot home a deserved opener. Behind them, Shiotani Tsukasa marshalled the backline brilliantly, ensuring Vissel Kobe's attacking threats were entirely nullified in the opening frame. The hosts looked supremely comfortable, turning the pitch into a shooting gallery with an eventual tally of 21 attempts, but their failure to immediately put the game to bed would soon come back to haunt them.
The Super Sub and The Stopper
The Balance of the match shifted dramatically following the interval. Recognising their precarious position, the visitors introduced R. Komatsu in the 46th minute. That tactical roll of the dice paid immense dividends on the hour mark when the substitute found the back of the net, silencing the vocal home crowd. Yet, the undeniable pivot of this tense tie was Vissel Kobe's man between the sticks. Shuichi Gonda delivered an absolute masterclass, pulling off six crucial saves as Hiroshima desperately searched for a late winner. His heroic interventions under relentless pressure ensured the leaders stayed in the fight, absorbing a staggering 30 combined match shots to force the ultimate lottery of a penalty shootout.
Spot-Kick Heartbreak
With nothing separating the sides after regulation time, the drama culminated in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Despite dominating the regular proceedings and carving out numerous clear-cut chances, Sanfrecce Hiroshima's composure faltered from 12 yards, allowing Vissel Kobe to edge the shootout 4-5. It serves as a cruel blow for the hosts, who remain rooted in sixth place despite a stellar performance worthy of all three points. For Kobe, this gritty away victory reinforces their unyielding position at the summit of the J1 League. They emphatically proved they can weather heavy storms and emerge victorious when it matters most, a vital hallmark of true title contenders aiming for the crown.
Key Questions
What made Shuichi Gonda the Man of the Match?
The goalkeeper produced a remarkable six crucial saves, single-handedly keeping Vissel Kobe in the match despite facing a relentless barrage of 21 shots from the home side.
How did substitute Shuichi Gonda change the game?
Shuichi Gonda actually started the match as the goalkeeper. It was substitute R. Komatsu who changed the game's complexion by scoring the vital equaliser in the 63rd minute.
Did the derby intensity affect the quality of play?
While not an official derby, the match featured immense pressure with 30 combined shots, forcing both teams to rely heavily on tactical discipline and extraordinary goalkeeping heroics.
What is the Western Japan Derby?
The Western Japan Derby is the rivalry between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Vissel Kobe, a passionate regional rivalry with deep local significance.
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.
Title Race Stakes in the Western Japan Derby
Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 92/100. This regional clash is a definitive six-pointer that will severely test Vissel Kobe's title credentials.
The Setup
League leaders Vissel Kobe arrive at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima knowing their flawless recent Form will be pushed to the limit. Fourth-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima sit just six points behind, making the Stakes astronomical for this May 06, 2026 encounter. While Kobe are certified away specialists with a sixty percent win rate on the road, the home side boasts a potent attacking threat of their own. The high Balance rating reflects a brutally tight contest, meaning local bragging rights will be fiercely contested from the first whistle.
Key Battle
Higashi Shunki must find a way to disrupt the rhythm of Takahiro Ogihara in the middle of the park. With Ogihara generating immense Stars value through his recent scoring run, shutting him down is non-negotiable for the hosts to retain control.
Our Prediction
We expect Sanfrecce Hiroshima to leverage their home crowd for a narrow 2-1 victory. Kobe will dominate early possession, but Hiroshima's clinical counter-attacks will ultimately shatter the visitors' winning streak.