In a stunning display of skill and determination, Yokohama F. Marinos captivated their fans and made headlines during their mid-season friendly against Liverpool FC at Nissan Stadium.
On the evening of 30 July 2025, the Marinos seized a moment of glory as Asahi Uenaka scored a memorable goal against the Premier League side. This fixture, though prestigious, was a brief interlude in the Marinos’ pressing J1 League battle, with their focus sharply fixed on survival and their upcoming match against Tokyo Verdy. As the team and fans celebrated this bright moment, the Marinos remained resolute, ready to channel their fighting spirit back into the league where it truly counts.
Uenaka’s Unforgettable Goal
The Nissan Stadium erupted with joy in the 55th minute when Asahi Uenaka found the back of the net for Yokohama F. Marinos. The goal was a masterclass in composure and skill, as Uenaka calmly slotted the ball past the Liverpool goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. The build-up to the goal was equally impressive, with Ren Kato providing a precise through ball that split the Liverpool defence.
For Uenaka, the goal held special significance. As a child, he had considered Liverpool his ‘world’s favourite team’, though he later corrected this sentiment to place Marinos first in his heart. The emotions he experienced upon scoring against the Premier League giants were, in his own words, ‘unforgettable’.
The Bigger Picture: J1 League Survival
A Fleeting Moment of Joy
While the goal against Liverpool was a moment to savour, the Marinos players and staff remained acutely aware of their precarious position in the J1 League. Currently sitting in 18th place with 21 points after 24 matches, the team is just three points from safety.
Uenaka himself put the friendly into perspective, stating that he felt ‘no real sense of accomplishment’ from the Liverpool game. He emphasised that the match showed what ‘daily’ changes are needed and that it was ‘important in many ways’ because they ‘had no room for error in the league’.
Focus on the Future
Goalkeeper Ryoya Kimura echoed these sentiments, noting that the team is still in a ‘difficult situation’ and that this ‘good experience’ must be ‘connected to future league matches’ to achieve their goal of survival.
Manager Hideo Oshima, who took over on 19 June 2025 after a period of managerial instability, acknowledged that their ‘difficult situation remains unchanged’, despite recent positive results in the league.
The Road Ahead: Tokyo Verdy Awaits
Immediate Shift in Focus
With the Liverpool friendly now behind them, Yokohama F. Marinos’ attention immediately shifts to their crucial J1 League match against Tokyo Verdy on 9 August 2025, at Ajinomoto Stadium. This fixture represents the true battle for survival that the team faces.
The Marinos will be looking to build on their recent league form, which has seen them break a seven-game losing streak and secure consecutive wins against Kashima Antlers, Machida Zelvia, Yokohama FC, and Nagoya Grampus. These results have allowed them to climb out of last place for the first time in three months.
Carrying Momentum Forward
The challenge now for Yokohama F. Marinos is to carry the positive energy and fighting spirit displayed against Liverpool into their league campaign. While the friendly provided a brief moment of glory and valuable experience against top-tier opposition, the team’s future hinges on their performance in the J1 League.
As they prepare for the Tokyo Verdy match, the Marinos will be drawing on the lessons learned and the confidence gained from their goal against Liverpool. However, they remain under no illusions about the tough task ahead in their fight for J1 League survival.
New Merchandise for the Occasion
To commemorate the English team playing the role of placeholder in this glorified training match, Yokohama F. Marinos launched a new line of ‘World’ themed merchandise. This clever marketing move capitalised on the international nature of the marketing event fixture.
The new product range included T-shirts and travel stickers, designed to evoke a sense of global adventure. These items proved popular with fans, who were eager to own a memento of this unique sporting occasion.
Moreover, the ‘World’ theme of the merchandise subtly positioned Yokohama F. Marinos as a club with international appeal, despite their current domestic struggles.
Friendly Match Context: Unnecessary
The friendly nature of the match against Liverpool FC meant that the result, while exciting, held little long-term significance for Yokohama F. Marinos. The true focus remained on their J1 League campaign.
For Liverpool, this was merely the final match of their pre-season tour of Asia. Their primary goals were to fine-tune their squad and build fitness, rather than secure a competitive victory.
In this context, Yokohama’s strong performance and Uenaka’s goal take on even greater significance. They demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with top-tier opposition, even in a non-competitive setting.
Wataru Endo: Not Our Hero
While Liverpool’s Wataru Endo received praise for his performance, it’s important to remember that he is not a Yokohama F. Marinos player, never was, and probably never will be. He might have been born in Totsuka-Ku, but he played for Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red Diamonds. He played six competitive matches against F Marinos in Japanese football competitions – and didn’t win one of them. Nice one, Wataru, you finally notched up a win against YFM!
doragon sports 