Match Summary
Kashima defeated Albirex Niigata 2:0. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by Y. Suzuki 3′, Y. Kakita 26′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Albirex Niigata had 69% possession while Kashima held 31%. Albirex Niigata had 13 shots (3 on target) compared to 11 (4 on target) for Kashima. Albirex Niigata made 4 substitutions, Kashima made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Albirex Niigata and Kashima — 2 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: R. Hirose
assist: Y. Suzuki
Match Statistics
Albirex Niigata had 69% possession against Kashima's 31%. Albirex Niigata registered 13 shots (3 on target) while Kashima managed 11 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 3–4. Fouls committed: 13–17.
Lineups
Albirex Niigata lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under R. Matsuhashi, while Kashima deployed a 4-4-2 under D. Iwamasa.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Albirex Niigata is 6.69, compared to 6.99 for Kashima. 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. Albirex Niigata's highest-rated starter is K. Taniguchi (6.82), while Kashima's best-rated player is Y. Suzuki (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Albirex Niigata have contributed 3 goals and 1 assists this season, led by K. Taniguchi (2G). Kashima's starters account for 10 goals and 11 assists, spearheaded by Y. Suzuki (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Albirex Niigata deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Kashima's 4-man backline averaging 6.96. 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
Albirex Niigata field 5 midfielders averaging 6.55, versus Kashima's 4 rated 6.79. 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
Albirex Niigata start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.82, compared to 2 for Kashima averaging 7.24. 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.
Discipline
Albirex Niigata's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Kashima. 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 Albirex Niigata's starting XI is 29.5 (youngest: S. Ota (29), oldest: K. Taniguchi (30)), while Kashima average 28.3 (youngest: I. Sekigawa (25), oldest: K. Anzai (30)). 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
Albirex Niigata's starters average 20 league appearances each, versus 24 for Kashima. 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, Albirex Niigata have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Kashima show 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Albirex Niigata
Kashima
Head to Head
Albirex Niigata and Kashima have met 2 times — Albirex Niigata won 0, Kashima won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Kashima leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 6 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.00 per match (2 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–2 in 2025.
0
Albirex Niigata
0
Drawn
2
Kashima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026