The atmosphere surrounding Yokohama F. Marinos had been thick with foreboding. The winds of crisis, not the gentle spring breeze of the port city, were howling through Yokohama. For a club of their stature, five-time J1 League champions and one of the “Original 10” never to have faced relegation, being at the bottom of the table was a shocking reality.
After 16 games, they sat dead last with a meager 8 points and worrying goal difference of -7. Their form was abysmal, including a club-worst seven-game losing streak and an eleven-game winless run. The word “relegation,” once unthinkable, now loomed large, turning their plight into a civic emergency. They were 5 points adrift from safety after 17 game.
Breaking the Chains: A Crucial Win Against the League Leaders
Amidst this dire situation, a moment of immense relief and triumph arrived on May 25th at Nissan Stadium. Yokohama F. Marinos, despite being rooted to the bottom of the J1 table, faced the daunting challenge of hosting Kashima Antlers, a team leading the league and on a seven-game winning streak. The expectation was that the struggling Marinos would be easily defeated. However, in a remarkable display of determination and fight, Yokohama F. Marinos secured a significant 3-1 victory. This was a monumental win, marking their first victory in 12 matches, ending their seven-game losing streak, and halting Kashima’s impressive winning run. The joy was evident, with one fan expressing their relief and attributing their motivation for work to the victory, calling it “the source of life”.
A Rapid-Fire Opening and a Shift in Approach
The match began with an intensity that had been missing from Marinos’ recent performances. Just four minutes in, defender Shuto Nagato capitalized on a rebound from an Anderson Lopes shot to give Marinos an early lead with a powerful right-footed strike. This early goal provided a crucial boost to the team’s morale. Marinos continued their attacking pressure, and in the 13th minute, Yan Matheus doubled their advantage. The play originated from a superb through pass by captain Takuya Kida, which Anderson Lopes skillfully backheeled into space for Riku Yamane, who then found Yan Matheus. Yan Matheus wasn’t finished, adding a third goal in the 27th minute with a technical control shot from near the penalty arc that found the top left corner of the net. This rapid-fire three-goal burst demonstrated a more direct attacking approach compared to their previous style.
While Kashima managed to pull one back in the 36th minute through Leo Ceara, Marinos’ defense held firm, anchored by efforts including Ken Matsubara playing out of position due to injuries. Despite Kashima dominating possession in the second half, Marinos focused on a more defensive strategy, capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. They successfully weathered the storm, securing a vital three points. The statistics from the match highlight this shift, with Marinos having significantly fewer passes (206 vs 560 for Kashima) and less possession (34% vs 66%), showcasing their commitment to prioritizing the win over their traditional possession-based “Marinos way”.
Captain’s Resolve and a New Manager’s First Win
This victory against the league leaders was more than just a scoreline; it was a powerful statement. Captain Takuya Kida, who himself has battled injuries, spoke with palpable emotion after the match, acknowledging the suffering endured by everyone involved with the club, especially the fans. He emphasized that this win was for the supporters who have stood by the team through this difficult period. Kida highlighted the shift in their approach, moving away from their usual possession-based style to a more pragmatic, direct style focused on winning. He stressed that victory is possible when the team is united and fighting together, regardless of the specific tactical approach. Kida’s leadership and determination to “absolutely crawl up” from the bottom were evident.
This win also marked the first victory for Patrick Kisnorbo as the permanent manager. Kisnorbo took the reins on May 5th, inheriting a team in deep crisis with tired defenders, underperforming imports, and a frayed fanbase. He has focused on increasing intensity in training and fostering unity. Sporting director Tsutomu Nishino had set clear expectations for Kisnorbo, including changing the team’s atmosphere, restoring confidence, and immediately starting to earn points. Nishino’s short-term goal was at least three wins in May, particularly in their four home games during that period. While they had lost to Kyoto Sanga and Kashiwa Reysol at home earlier in May, the win against Kashima is a crucial step towards meeting those expectations.
Realistic Outlook: The Battle is Far from Over
Despite the exhilaration of this significant win, it is crucial to remain realistic about the team’s situation. While the victory stopped the devastating losing streak, Marinos are still rooted to the bottom of the J1 table. After 18 games, they only have 11 points. They are still several points adrift from the safety zone. The problems that led to this crisis – defensive vulnerabilities, ineffective attacking strategies, underperforming players, and psychological hurdles – have not vanished overnight.
As former player Takahiro Ogihara observed, the team hasn’t been playing freely, and the mental pressure of a relegation battle is immense for a club that has never experienced it before. The goal difference remains a concern.
The road ahead remains challenging. Their next match is a crucial away game against FC Machida Zelvia on May 31st. As Kida stressed, this win is only one step, and they cannot afford to be complacent. They need to build on this victory and continue to fight with the same intensity and unity demonstrated against Kashima. The potential for redemption exists within the squad, but it needs to be consistently translated into points. As Kida stated, they are not satisfied with just one win and know they need many more victories.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes Remain High
The long-term implications of this season are still significant. If Marinos manage to survive, a thorough review of the club’s structure and strategies will be necessary to prevent a repeat of this crisis. If they are relegated, they face the prospect of at least 18 months in J2 due to upcoming league format changes, which would have substantial financial and talent retention consequences.
For now, the Yokohama F. Marinos faithful can savor this hard-fought victory. It is a much-needed boost for a fanbase that has shown remarkable loyalty and passion throughout this difficult period. The sight of fans chanting and showing their support even after losses underscores their unwavering commitment. This win is a testament to the team’s potential and serves as a glimmer of hope that they can indeed climb out of this predicament. The players, led by their determined captain, have shown they are willing to adapt and fight. The win against Kashima Antlers was a crucial battle won in the larger war for survival. The storm is far from over, and the skies over Yokohama, while perhaps slightly brighter after this win, are still clouded with the reality of the relegation battle. The fight to “absolutely crawl up” from the bottom continues.
doragon sports 