5 March 2025 at 12:00
Match Summary
Shanghai Shenhua defeated Kawasaki Frontale 1:0. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2024. Goals were scored by K. Takai 76′ (o.g.). 3 yellow cards were shown. Shanghai Shenhua had 45% possession while Kawasaki Frontale held 55%. Shanghai Shenhua had 13 shots (2 on target) compared to 5 (0 on target) for Kawasaki Frontale. Shanghai Shenhua made 5 substitutions, Kawasaki Frontale made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Yasuto Wakizaka 34′).
Match Events
Key match events between Shanghai Shenhua and Kawasaki Frontale — 1 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
Own Goal
Match Statistics
Shanghai Shenhua had 45% possession against Kawasaki Frontale's 55%. Shanghai Shenhua registered 13 shots (2 on target) while Kawasaki Frontale managed 5 (0 on target). Corner kicks: 3–6. Fouls committed: 7–17.
Lineups
Shanghai Shenhua lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation under L. Slutskiy, while Kawasaki Frontale deployed a 4-2-3-1 under S. Hasebe.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Shanghai Shenhua is 6.77, compared to 6.97 for Kawasaki Frontale. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Shanghai Shenhua's highest-rated starter is João Teixeira (7.19), while Kawasaki Frontale's best-rated player is S. Miura (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Shanghai Shenhua have contributed 1 goals and 2 assists this season, led by João Teixeira (1G). Kawasaki Frontale's starters account for 36 goals and 30 assists, spearheaded by T. Ito (13G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Shanghai Shenhua deploy 4 defenders rated 6.79 on average, against Kawasaki Frontale's 4-man backline averaging 7.04. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Shanghai Shenhua field 5 midfielders averaging 6.85, versus Kawasaki Frontale's 5 rated 7.02. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Shanghai Shenhua start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.35, compared to 1 for Kawasaki Frontale averaging 6.71. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Shanghai Shenhua and 49% for Kawasaki Frontale. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Shanghai Shenhua's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Kawasaki Frontale. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Shanghai Shenhua's starting XI is 29.0 (youngest: Liu Chengyu (19), oldest: Wu Xi (36)), while Kawasaki Frontale average 28.0 (youngest: K. Takai (21), oldest: Y. Maruyama (36)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Shanghai Shenhua's starters average 4 league appearances each, versus 30 for Kawasaki Frontale. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: L. Slutskiy
Substitutes
Coach: S. Hasebe
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Shanghai Shenhua have recorded 1 wins, 0 draws and 5 defeats. Kawasaki Frontale show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Shanghai Shenhua
Kawasaki Frontale
API data: 20 Apr 2026