J.League 1 surprise packages Machida Zelvia found themselves on the verge of bottling their title hopes after they had succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away at Sanfrecce Hiroshima on September 28th’s top-of-the-table clash. The result, combined with defending league champions Vissel Kobe’s 1-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds on the same day, saw newly-promoted Machida tumble down to third on the J1 table.
Newly signed Portuguese striker Goncalo Paciencia and forward Mutsuki Kato delivered early goals for Sanfrecce at the Hiroshima Peace Wing. The hosts entered the match level on points with Machida but led the title race due to a superior goal difference, with the win moving them on up to 62 points. Vissel’s own win meant that the Kobe-based outfit has 61 points to their name as push Machida out of 2nd place, with Go Kuroda’s men languishing in third with 59 points.
Paciencia, playing just his third J1 League match, opened the scoring in the third minute with a well-placed volley after Shuto Nakano delivered a cross from the left. Reflecting on his goal, Paciencia, who won the UEF Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, said to Kyodo, “This was a game we absolutely had to win, so I’m really happy that I was able to contribute a goal.”
Nakano was instrumental again in the 23rd minute, delivering another cross, this time for Kato, who found the back of the net with a close-range strike that took a deflection off Machida captain Gen Shoji, leaving goalkeeper Kosei Tani helpless.
Machida continued to fight back with trademark aggressive play and several chances, including a long-range effort from Kazuki Fujimoto that forced a spectacular save from Sanfrecce goalkeeper Keisuke Osako midway through the second half. Despite their best efforts, Machida could not break through the resilient Hiroshima defense.
Sanfrecce came close to adding a third goal in the closing minutes when Shunki Higashi’s powerful shot from distance struck the post.
Paciencia, who also scored in his J1 debut during a 2-2 draw against Kashima Antlers on Sept. 14, has quickly endeared himself to the Sanfrecce supporters. “The fans are incredible,” Paciencia said. “Their support really gave us energy when we were tired, and we’ll need them for the remaining six games.”
Meanwhile, at Noevir Stadium, Yoshinori Muto’s 16th-minute header was enough to give Vissel Kobe a vital 1-0 win over Urawa Reds, keeping them in the hunt for consecutive league titles.