Sanfrecce Hiroshima clinched their second J.League Cup title with a commanding 3-1 victory over Kashiwa Reysol in November 1st’s final at Tokyo’s National Stadium, repeating their 2022 triumph with another display of set-piece mastery. All three of Sanfrecce’s goals came in a first half blitz that Kashiwa never recovered from, each originating from set-pieces consisting of two long throws and one expertly taken free-kick.
Currently also in contention for the Emperor’s Cup, Sanfrecce showcased their trademark efficiency and tactical discipline under head coach Michael Skibbe. Right wing-back Shuto Nakano played a pivotal role, delivering both long throws that led to goals and serving as a constant threat from wide areas.
“We played wonderfully from the first half,” said captain Sho Sasaki after lifting the trophy, as quoted from Kyodo. “Our set-piece execution was outstanding. It’s something we’ve been perfecting all season, and today it paid off perfectly.”
Kashiwa, still chasing the J1 League crown with just three matches left and sitting a point off the top in a remarkable season after escaping relegation the previous campaign, began brightly, creating early chances on the counter. However, their optimism was short-lived. In the 25th minute, Japan international defender Hayato Araki rose highest to meet Nakano’s long throw, outjumping goalkeeper Ryosuke Kojima to nod Sanfrecce into the lead.
Thirteen minutes later, Shunki Higashi doubled the advantage with a moment of brilliance, curling a 25-meter free-kick beyond Kojima’s reach and into the corner. Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, another Nakano long throw caused havoc once again. His looping delivery was redirected by Sasaki toward the center, where forward Ryo Germain reacted quickest to smash home on the bounce, making it 3-0 and leaving Kashiwa reeling.
After the break, Kashiwa took control of possession, pushing forward relentlessly. Their persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute when Tomoya Koyamatsu sliced open the Sanfrecce defense with a perfectly weighted through ball. Substitute Mao Hosoya, who has struggled for starts this season, powered past Araki and calmly finished to reduce the deficit.
Despite the late pressure, Sanfrecce’s defense, who was the sturdiest in the J1 League with just 26 goals conceded, held firm to see out the win. The result not only earned Sanfrecce their first silverware in three years but also reinforced their reputation as one of Japan’s most tactically astute and resilient sides.
For Skibbe, the victory marked another successful chapter in his tenure, as his side outclassed Ricardo Rodríguez’s Kashiwa both physically and strategically. For Sanfrecce’s loyal supporters, it was another proud night — proof that precision, discipline, and set-piece brilliance can still triumph on Japan’s biggest stage.