J1 League Gameweek 1
V-varen Nagasaki 2 - 1 FT Kyoto Sanga
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
11' Thiago
29' Thiago (Y. Iwasaki)
Joao Pedro 34'
HT
↓ Henrique Trevisan ↑K. Nagata 46'
↓ T. Hirato ↑Souza Alex 46'
↓ S. Fukuoka ↑S. Yoon 46'
Weverton 50'
Rafael Elias (R. Kato) 54'
63' ↓ Dudu Giusti ↑I. Arai
↓ R. Kato ↑T. Kato 69'
73' ↓ Thiago ↑R. Yamasaki
↓ K. Nagata ↑Y. Suzuki 76'
Rafael Elias 78'
86' ↓ R. Yamada ↑Diego Pituca
86' ↓ Y. Iwasaki ↑Emerson Deocleciano
↓ H. Arai ↑S. Nagasawa 87'
88' ↓ M. Sekiguchi ↑R. Shindo
90'+3 H. Onaga
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
V-varen Nagasaki
Goalkeepers
Goto Masaaki 
MAGNET
30
Activity
30
Activity
29
Passes
1
Duels
Defenders
Kanta Doi 
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Takuma Ominami 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Eduardo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
Midfielders
Masahiro Sekiguchi 
NPC
88
Minutes
88
Minutes
15%
Pass Acc
6.5
Rating
Yamaguchi Hotaru
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Riku Yamada
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Onaga Hijiri
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
Motoki Hasegawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Iwasaki Yuto 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
6.9
Rating
Thiago Santana 
HITMAN
2
Goals
2
Goals
3
On Target
8.6
Rating
BENCH
Hatano Go 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Arai Ikki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
31
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shindo Ryosuke
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
6
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sawada Takashi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Diego Pituca
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
8
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Emerson Deocleciano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
8
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Norman Campbell
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tenmu Matsumoto
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yamasaki Ryogo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kyoto Sanga
Goalkeepers
Gakuji Ota
MAGNET
30
Activity
30
Activity
30
Passes
0
Duels
Defenders
Shinnosuke Fukuda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Weverton
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Henrique Trevisan
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Kyo Sato
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
João Pedro
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shimpei Fukuoka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Ren Kato
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.3
Rating
Taiki Hirato
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Haruki Arai
NPC
87
Minutes
87
Minutes
12%
Pass Acc
6.2
Rating
Forwards
Rafael Elias 
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
BENCH
Kentaro Kakoi
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Kodai Nagata
LATE SHIFT
14
Late Mins
14
Late Mins
31
Total Mins
76
Entry
Yoshinori Suzuki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sung-jun Yoon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
49
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Masaya Okugawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Taiyo Hiraoka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alex Souza
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
49
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shun Nagasawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
7
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takumi Kato
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23/2026 | Kyoto Sanga | 1 - 0 | V-varen Nagasaki | J1 League | Sanga Stadium by Kyocera |
| 03/18/2026 | V-varen Nagasaki | 1 - 2 | Kyoto Sanga | J1 League | Peace Stadium |
| 10/02/2021 | V-varen Nagasaki | 2 - 0 | Kyoto Sanga | J2 League | Transcosmos Stadium |
| 07/03/2021 | Kyoto Sanga | 0 - 2 | V-varen Nagasaki | J2 League | Sanga Stadium by Kyocera |
| 12/02/2020 | Kyoto Sanga | 2 - 1 | V-varen Nagasaki | J2 League | Sanga Stadium by Kyocera |
| 07/25/2020 | V-varen Nagasaki | 1 - 0 | Kyoto Sanga | J2 League | Transcosmos Stadium |
| 09/21/2019 | V-varen Nagasaki | 1 - 0 | Kyoto Sanga | J2 League | transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki (Isahaya) |
| 07/07/2019 | Kyoto Sanga | 1 - 0 | V-varen Nagasaki | J2 League | Kyōto Nishikyogoku Stadium (Kyōto (Kyoto)) |
| 08/27/2017 | V-varen Nagasaki | 1 - 0 | Kyoto Sanga | J2 League | transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki (Isahaya) |
| 03/25/2017 | Kyoto Sanga | 0 - 1 | V-varen Nagasaki | J2 League | Kyōto Nishikyogoku Stadium (Kyōto (Kyoto)) |
05/23/2026
03/18/2026
10/02/2021
07/03/2021
12/02/2020
07/25/2020
09/21/2019
07/07/2019
08/27/2017
03/25/2017
V-varen Nagasaki Win
Kyoto Sanga Win
Draw
League Standings
League Standings
| Pos | Team | P | Pts | GF | GA | GD | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kashiwa Reysol | 2 | 6 | 5 | 2 | +3 | |
| 2 | Machida Zelvia | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | +4 | |
| 3 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | +3 | |
| 4 | Kashima | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | +1 | |
| 5 | Gamba Osaka | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | +1 | |
| 6 | Cerezo Osaka | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +1 | |
| 7 | V-varen Nagasaki | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +1 | |
| 8 | Shimizu S-pulse | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| 9 | Vissel Kobe | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| 10 | Kawasaki Frontale | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 11 | Tokyo Verdy | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | |
| 12 | Yokohama F. Marinos | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -1 | |
| 13 | Urawa | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -1 | |
| 14 | Mito Hollyhock | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -1 | |
| 15 | Kyoto Sanga | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -1 | |
| 16 | Fagiano Okayama | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -1 | |
| 17 | Avispa Fukuoka | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | |
| 18 | Nagoya Grampus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | |
| 19 | JEF United Chiba | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 | |
| 20 | FC Tokyo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | -4 |
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 1 GD: +4
P: 1 GD: +3
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: +1
P: 1 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -1
P: 1 GD: -3
P: 1 GD: -4
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Thiago’s Masterclass Sinks Kyoto in Nagasaki
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 40/100. An underdog triumph defined by early ruthlessness rather than territorial dominance.
The Initial Blitz
Action ignited immediately at Peace Stadium as V-varen Nagasaki set out to disrupt the natural order. Despite entering as underdogs, the hosts dictated a blistering Intensity that caught Kyoto Sanga completely off guard. Just 11 minutes in, Thiago found the breakthrough, unleashing a fierce strike that set the home crowd alight. The visitors attempted to settle the tempo, eventually controlling possession at a healthy 58%, but their methodical build-up lacked any real bite. Instead, V-varen preferred a direct assault, repeatedly pinning Kyoto back and racking up seven corners in the process. This clash of contrasting styles severely skewed the Balance, transforming what was expected to be a cautious early-season affair into an open, high-volume shooting gallery.
The Lethal Double
The defining moment arrived before the half-hour mark, brutally exposing the underlying fragility of Kyoto's defensive structure. In the 29th minute, Y. Iwasaki carved open the visitors with a perfectly weighted delivery that split the backline. Thiago was waiting, securing his brace with the predatory instinct of a seasoned marksman. This ruthless efficiency highlighted the hosts' attacking philosophy: a barrage of 16 total shots, 10 from inside the box, constantly testing the opposition goalkeeper. Kyoto Sanga scrambled to formulate a tactical response, but the high Upset Factor was already crystallizing in front of a jubilant home crowd. The visitors were suffocating on the ball, registering an impressive 450 total passes but struggling to translate that sterile control into genuine threat during the decisive first half.
A Tense Finish
Refusing to capitulate, Kyoto Sanga emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. In the 54th minute, R. Kato delivered a sharp ball into the area, allowing Rafael Elias to halve the deficit and reignite the contest. The goal dramatically raised the stakes, forcing Nagasaki to weather a nervous final half-hour. However, the hosts dug deep, leveraging their early cushion to absorb pressure and maintain their defensive shape. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for V-varen Nagasaki, rewarding their early blitz and tactical discipline. While Kyoto will rue their inability to convert possession into points, Thiago’s clinical edge ultimately wrote the headlines in this captivating J1 League encounter.
Key Questions
What made Thiago Santana the Man of the Match?
His devastating first-half brace proved the difference. He capitalised on two crucial chances, showcasing immense predatory instincts to secure all three points for V-varen Nagasaki.
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.
A Cagey J1 League Opener at Peace Stadium
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 51/100. Opening day nerves and a lack of early-season rhythm point toward a gritty, tactical stalemate rather than a free-flowing spectacle.
The Setup
The J1 League campaign kicks off on August 09, 2026, with V-varen Nagasaki hosting Kyoto Sanga at Peace Stadium. With it being Round 1, the Stakes are naturally subdued as both sides look to find their footing. A sluggish Form rating indicates neither squad has hit top gear yet. However, what this match lacks in Stars, it makes up for with incredibly tight competitive Balance. Kyoto Sanga hold a microscopic edge as away favorites, but the margins are razor-thin. While players like Matheus Jesus for the hosts and Rafael Elias for the visitors bring individual quality, this fixture will likely be dictated by cautious team structure.
Key Battle
Expect a gritty contest in the middle of the park. V-varen Nagasaki's midfield unit will try to dictate possession and break lines, running directly into Kyoto Sanga's disciplined defensive block. Whoever maintains structural integrity and avoids critical turnovers in transition will seize control of the match.
Our Prediction
A 1-1 draw feels like the most logical outcome. Kyoto might control the tempo early, but Nagasaki's home advantage will help them equalize in a tightly contested, low-scoring affair where neither side wants to risk losing their opening fixture.