J1 League Regular Season - 4
Urawa 2 - 3 FT Kashima
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
14' R. Hidano (T. Kaneko)
19' R. Watanabe (K. Nemoto)
Tomoki Hayakawa 42'
Leo Ceara 45'
HT
47' Matheus Sávio
Y. Suzuki (Y. Higuchi) 55'
63' ↓ R. Hidano ↑I. Kiese
63' ↓ T. Kaneko ↑R. Nitta
↓ Elber ↑H. Hayashu 68'
72' ↓ K. Shibato ↑A. Onaiwu
Yuta Higuchi 74'
↓ R. Araki ↑A. Cavric 78'
↓ Y. Higuchi ↑K. Chinen 78'
↓ K. Misao ↑G. Shibasaki 88'
↓ Leo Ceara ↑K. Tagawa 89'
A. Cavric (G. Shibasaki) 90'
90'+3 ↓ K. Yasui ↑S. Nakajima
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Urawa
Goalkeepers
S. Nishikawa 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
T. Sekine 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
2
Fouls
6.3
Rating
Danilo Boza
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Nemoto 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.5
Rating
T. Ogiwara 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
19%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
K. Yasui 
NPC
89
Minutes
89
Minutes
22%
Pass Acc
6.3
Rating
K. Shibato
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
72
Total Mins
72
Entry
T. Kaneko
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
7.2
Rating
R. Watanabe 
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Matheus Savio
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
32%
Pass Acc
Forwards
R. Hidano
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
BENCH
A. Niekawa 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
H. Ishihara
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Miyamoto
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Naganuma
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Nakajima
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Hayakawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
I. Kiese
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Onaiwu
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Nitta
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kashima
Goalkeepers
T. Hayakawa 
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
2
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
K. Nono
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Ueda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kim Tae-Hyeon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Mizoguchi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
R. Araki
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
Y. Higuchi
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7.2
Rating
K. Misao
NPC
88
Minutes
88
Minutes
30%
Pass Acc
6.5
Rating
Elber
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
68
Total Mins
68
Entry
BENCH
Y. Kajikawa
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
R. Ogawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
I. Sekigawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Matsumoto
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
G. Shibasaki 
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
8
Minutes
7.2
Rating
K. Chinen 
ENFORCER
4
Tackles
4
Tackles
5
Duels Won
71%
Win %
H. Hayashu
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
22
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Cavric 
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.3
Rating
K. Tagawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/28/2026 | Urawa | 2 - 3 | Kashima | J1 League | Saitama Stadium |
| 09/20/2025 | Urawa | 0 - 1 | Kashima | J1 League | Saitama Stadium |
| 03/16/2025 | Kashima | 1 - 1 | Urawa | J1 League | Mercari Stadium |
| 08/17/2024 | Kashima | 0 - 0 | Urawa | J1 League | Kashima Soccer Stadium |
| 06/22/2024 | Urawa | 2 - 2 | Kashima | J1 League | Saitama Stadium 2002 |
| 10/28/2023 | Kashima | 0 - 0 | Urawa | J1 League | Kashima Soccer Stadium |
Urawa Win
Kashima Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Stunning Comeback: Kashima Break Urawa Hearts in Five-Goal Thriller
Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 93/100. Our verdict: An extraordinary display of resilience as Kashima erased a two-goal deficit to snatch all three points at the death.
An Explosive Opening
A rapid start at Saitama Stadium completely rewrote the early script, defying the pre-match expectations. Home side Urawa, desperate to correct a miserable run of recent form, stormed out of the gates and punished the visitors' defensive frailties inside the opening quarter of an hour. At the 14-minute mark, T. Kaneko carved open the backline, allowing R. Hidano to slot home a brilliant opener that sent the home crowd into raptures. The noise had barely subsided when K. Nemoto orchestrated another sweeping move just five minutes later, setting up R. Watanabe to double the advantage. This explosive early surge registered high Balance shifts, seemingly putting the hosts in total command. For a Urawa side that had been struggling for consistency, this 2-0 cushion felt like a definitive turning point, leaving the title-chasing visitors visibly shell-shocked.
VAR and the Tide Turns
Just as the hosts looked comfortable settling into a defensive block, the Intensity spiked following a pivotal intervention that altered the match's trajectory. On 42 minutes, controversy struck the penalty area. Following a lengthy VAR review, officials confirmed a crucial foul on Tomoki Hayakawa. Leo Ceara stepped up to the spot and ruthlessly converted, instantly altering the complexion of the tie right before the interval. That crucial lifeline completely dismantled Urawa's momentum. Kashima emerged for the second half with absolute conviction, controlling possession with 56% of the ball. Their relentless, methodical pressure paid dividends in the 55th minute. Y. Higuchi delivered a pinpoint pass to Y. Suzuki, who clinically dispatched the equaliser to complete the initial phase of their remarkable recovery and silence the once-deafening home support.
Super Subs Steal the Show
With the score locked at 2-2, the fixture evolved into a breathless, end-to-end spectacle featuring an impressive 24 combined shots. Urawa desperately sought to regain their lost advantage, but the decisive moment ultimately arrived from the visitors' bench. Managerial genius prevailed in the 90th minute as two late substitutes linked up to deliver the ultimate killing blow. G. Shibasaki, introduced in the dying moments to orchestrate the midfield, provided a sublime, defense-splitting assist. Fellow substitute A. Cavric latched onto the pass and fired home an unforgettable winner, breaking Urawa hearts at the death. This dramatic 90th-minute strike cemented a historic away victory, ensuring Kashima remain firmly entrenched in the title race, while condemning the hosts to yet another painful reality check in their turbulent campaign.
Key Questions
What caused the 5-goal thriller?
A blistering two-goal start by Urawa triggered an aggressive response. Kashima's possession control, clinical finishing, and crucial managerial substitutions fueled the high-scoring, five-goal drama.
How dramatic was the late winner by Yuma Suzuki?
Suzuki actually scored the vital 55th-minute equaliser. The true late drama came courtesy of substitute A. Cavric, who netted the 90th-minute match-winner.
How did Urawa complete the comeback from behind?
It was actually Kashima who completed the astonishing comeback. Urawa took a rapid 2-0 lead, but the visitors scored three unanswered goals to snatch the victory.
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.
Derby Day Drama Awaits at Saitama Stadium
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 70/100. Local bragging rights and crucial momentum collide in a fixture that promises fierce tackles and unrelenting intensity.
The Setup
The February 28 clash at Saitama Stadium is more than just a regular season encounter. Urawa find themselves navigating a dreadful patch of Form, desperately needing a spark to reignite their campaign. Conversely, Kashima arrive as formidable away specialists, flying high in the J1 League standings. The immense Stakes surrounding this classic rivalry guarantee that form books will be thrown out the window as local pride takes center stage.
Key Battle
The defining duel pits Urawa's resilient defender Danilo Boza against Kashima's lethal marksman Léo Ceará. With undeniable Stars on display, Boza's ability to marshal the backline against Ceará's relentless movement and clinical finishing will dictate the tempo of the entire match.
Our Prediction
We expect Kashima to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Urawa will undoubtedly feed off the energy of the home crowd to press high and create chaotic moments, but Kashima's ruthless efficiency on the counter-attack should ultimately expose the hosts' lingering defensive frailties.