J1 League Gameweek 5
Vissel Kobe 2 - 1 FT Sanfrecce Hiroshima
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Futmetrix Verdict
43
FT
Mon, Oct 12
Coventry
4-1
Newcastle
⚡ Form
47
⚖️ Balance
95
🏆 Stakes
0
⭐ Stars
72
Futmetrix Verdict
66
FT
Mon, Oct 12
Atalanta
3-1
Venezia
⚡ Intensity
86
⚖️ Balance
31
🏆 Stakes
0
🎲 Upset
0
Atalanta strike early, Venezia stay sunk.
Futmetrix Verdict
59
FT
Mon, Oct 12
Al-Wasl FC
1-3
Al-Ahli Jeddah
⚡ Intensity
63
⚖️ Balance
54
🏆 Stakes
12
🎲 Upset
0
Clinical Al-Ahli secure vital away victory.
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
HT
46' ↓ M. Hidaka ↑Y. Osako
46' ↓ R. Komatsu ↑Diego
K. Kinoshita 49'
52' Thuler
Kosuke Kinoshita 63'
63' ↓ Y. Goke ↑Jean Patric
↓ A. Suzuki ↑M. Kato 66'
↓ T. Shiotani ↑T. Yamasaki 66'
84' T. Ogihara
↓ S. Nakamura ↑N. Maeda 87'
↓ N. Arai ↑S. Higashi 87'
90' Y. Osako
90'+2 Diego
↓ T. Matsumoto ↑T. Arslan 90'+4
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Vissel Kobe
Goalkeepers
Daiya Maekawa 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Rikuto Hirose 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
28%
Pass Acc
Tetsushi Yamakawa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Matheus Thuler 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
5
Tackles
67%
Duel Win %
João Victor
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
Yosuke Ideguchi 
MAGNET
66
Activity
66
Activity
58
Passes
8
Duels
Takahiro Ohgihara 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
Katsuya Nagato
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
Mitsuki Hidaka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Ren Komatsu 
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Yuta Goke
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
BENCH
Shuichi Gonda 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Boniface Nduka
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Nanasei Iino
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gotoku Sakai
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Diego
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takashi Inui
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuya Kuwasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yuya Osako 
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.2
Rating
Jean Patrick
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goalkeepers
Issei Ouchi
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Tsukasa Shiotani
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
66
Entry
Hayato Araki
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
12
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Sho Sasaki 
ENFORCER
4
Tackles
4
Tackles
10
Duels Won
77%
Win %
Midfielders
Shuto Nakano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hayao Kawabe
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Taishi Matsumoto 
NPC
89
Minutes
89
Minutes
14%
Pass Acc
6.5
Rating
Naoto Arai
NPC
87
Minutes
87
Minutes
13%
Pass Acc
6.6
Rating
Forwards
Akito Suzuki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
66
Entry
Kosuke Kinoshita 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Sota Nakamura 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
1
Fouls
6.3
Rating
BENCH
Yudai Tanaka
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Taichi Yamasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takaaki Shichi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tolgay Arslan
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Shunki Higashi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Motoki Ohara
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yotaro Nakajima
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Naoki Maeda
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mutsuki Kato 
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
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
Vissel Kobe Win
Sanfrecce Hiroshima Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 5 GD: +6
P: 5 GD: +6
P: 5 GD: +3
P: 5 GD: +5
P: 5 GD: +5
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: +3
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: +3
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: +1
P: 5 GD: +3
P: 5 GD: +1
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: -2
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: +2
P: 5 GD: -4
P: 5 GD: -2
P: 5 GD: +1
P: 5 GD: -4
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: -6
P: 5 GD: -9
P: 5 GD: +1
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: -2
P: 5 GD: 0
P: 5 GD: -2
P: 5 GD: -4
P: 5 GD: -4
P: 5 GD: -6
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Win Probability
Futmetrix AI estimate
Osako's Stoppage-Time Heroics Complete Kobe's Sensational Turnaround
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 75/100. The league leaders showcased a true champions' mentality, coming from behind to secure a vital victory that unequivocally cements their place at the summit.
A Tense Stand-off
Noevir Stadium witnessed a highly tactical stand-off in the early exchanges as Vissel Kobe controlled possession but struggled to penetrate Sanfrecce Hiroshima's rigid defensive setup. The league leaders moved the ball with real intent, yet the visitors' disciplined low block heavily frustrated their attacking efforts. The overall Balance of the match shifted dramatically immediately after the interval. In the 49th minute, Kosuke Kinoshita stunned the home faithful, finishing a razor-sharp move to give the struggling visitors a sudden and unexpected lead. Hiroshima, desperate to halt their miserable run of four consecutive defeats, suddenly looked poised to inflict a major blow on the title hopefuls. The opening goal entirely changed the complexion of the contest, forcing the hosts to abandon their patient approach.
VAR Lifeline and Penalty Drama
The definitive turning point arrived coated in immense Intensity and controversy. Kinoshita thought he had spectacularly doubled his tally and effectively killed the game in the 63rd minute, but a tense VAR review dramatically intervened to cancel the goal. That narrow escape breathed sheer fire into Kobe's lungs. Man of the Match Katsuya Nagato took it upon himself to orchestrate the resurgence, driving his team forward from midfield with relentless precision. The hosts laid siege to the penalty area, eventually forcing a critical crack in the Hiroshima defence. A crucial 84th-minute penalty was awarded, throwing the home side a lifeline. T. Ogihara stepped up, holding his nerve under crushing pressure to convert from the spot, setting Noevir Stadium alight.
The Super Sub Strikes
With the Stakes soaring higher by the second, Vissel Kobe categorically refused to settle for a frustrating home draw. Managerial brilliance ultimately paid dividends as second-half substitute Y. Osako delivered the final, fatal blow to erase any lingering Upset Factor. Deep into the 90th minute, Osako found vital space inside the box to smash home a spectacular late winner, sending the stands into absolute delirium. This stunning 2-1 victory not only completes a magnificent, character-defining comeback but extends Kobe's formidable winning streak at the top of the J1 League. For Hiroshima, the devastating late collapse leaves them empty-handed once again, raising serious questions about their ability to close out matches under pressure.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
VAR intervened in the 63rd minute to disallow Kosuke Kinoshita's second goal, keeping Vissel Kobe in the game and sparking their dramatic late comeback.
How dramatic was the late winner by Katsuya Nagato?
While Katsuya Nagato was the standout Man of the Match orchestrating the midfield, it was substitute Y. Osako who actually scored the dramatic 90th-minute winner.
How did Vissel Kobe complete the comeback from behind?
Trailing by one, Vissel Kobe equalised through an 84th-minute penalty by T. Ogihara before substitute Y. Osako snatched the victory with a brilliant 90th-minute strike.
What is the Western Japan Derby?
The Western Japan Derby is the rivalry between Vissel Kobe and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, 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.
Archive note: this preview was written after the match was played.
League Leaders Face Wounded Rivals in Derby Clash
Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 90/100. Vissel Kobe's relentless title momentum faces a volatile test in a Western Japan Derby against a Sanfrecce Hiroshima side desperate to halt a brutal slide.
The Setup
When Vissel Kobe host Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Noevir Stadium on March 27, 2026, the league table will only tell half the story. The home side sit comfortably in 1st place, boasting a fearsome Form rating that reflects four wins in their last five outings. Hiroshima, languishing in 7th after a grim run of four straight defeats, arrive as wounded animals. Yet, the high Stakes of a regional derby mean form books often go out the window. An elite Stars rating confirms there is enough top-tier talent on the pitch to turn this into an instant classic, despite the gap in recent results.
Key Battle
The midfield and attacking transition will define this contest. Ren Komatsu has been a revelation for Kobe, constantly breaking lines and punishing defenses. He will directly challenge Hayao Kawabe, who must anchor Hiroshima's shape while trying to spark their dormant attack. If Kawabe gets overrun, Kobe will dictate the tempo entirely.
Our Prediction
We expect Vissel Kobe to claim a 3-1 victory. A surprisingly high Balance rating suggests Hiroshima will put up a spirited fight in the first half, driven by derby pride. However, Kobe's sheer firepower and home advantage should overwhelm the visitors late in the game.