Match Summary
Albirex Niigata defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2:1. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by S. Ota 14′, K. Suzuki 37′, T. Shiotani 79′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 56% possession while Albirex Niigata held 44%. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 27 shots (9 on target) compared to 9 (5 on target) for Albirex Niigata. Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 5 substitutions, Albirex Niigata made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Albirex Niigata — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Ota
Match Statistics
Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 56% possession against Albirex Niigata's 44%. Sanfrecce Hiroshima registered 27 shots (9 on target) while Albirex Niigata managed 9 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 11–1. Fouls committed: 15–14.
Lineups
Sanfrecce Hiroshima lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under M. Skibbe, while Albirex Niigata deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. Matsuhashi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sanfrecce Hiroshima is 7.12, compared to 6.75 for Albirex Niigata. 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. Sanfrecce Hiroshima's highest-rated starter is S. Nakano (7.19), while Albirex Niigata's best-rated player is K. Chiba (6.84).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sanfrecce Hiroshima have contributed 3 goals and 2 assists this season, led by T. Shiotani (2G). Albirex Niigata's starters account for 2 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Y. Horigome (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Sanfrecce Hiroshima deploy 3 defenders rated 7.05 on average, against Albirex Niigata's 4-man backline averaging 6.82. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima field 4 midfielders averaging 7.19, versus Albirex Niigata's 5 rated 6.55. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Albirex Niigata averaging —. 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 —% for Sanfrecce Hiroshima and 51% for Albirex Niigata. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 8 for Albirex Niigata. 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 Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starting XI is 29.3 (youngest: S. Nakano (25), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)), while Albirex Niigata average 32.5 (youngest: S. Ota (29), oldest: K. Chiba (40)). 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters average 24 league appearances each, versus 19 for Albirex Niigata. 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
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Sanfrecce Hiroshima have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Albirex Niigata show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Albirex Niigata
Head to Head
Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Albirex Niigata have met 2 times — Sanfrecce Hiroshima won 1, Albirex Niigata won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (2 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–2 in 2025.
1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
0
Drawn
1
Albirex Niigata
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026