Match Summary
Sagan Tosu defeated Albirex Niigata 2:0. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by Y. Ono 11′, A. Kawata 80′ (pen.). 2 yellow cards were shown. Sagan Tosu had 36% possession while Albirex Niigata held 64%. Sagan Tosu had 7 shots (3 on target) compared to 19 (5 on target) for Albirex Niigata. Sagan Tosu made 5 substitutions, Albirex Niigata made 5. VAR was involved: Goal confirmed (Atsushi Kawata 78′).
Match Events
Key match events between Sagan Tosu and Albirex Niigata — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: K. Tezuka
Penalty
Match Statistics
Sagan Tosu had 36% possession against Albirex Niigata's 64%. Sagan Tosu registered 7 shots (3 on target) while Albirex Niigata managed 19 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 4–9. Fouls committed: 13–4.
Lineups
Sagan Tosu lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under K. Kawai, while Albirex Niigata deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. Matsuhashi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sagan Tosu is —, compared to 6.73 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. Sagan Tosu's highest-rated starter is —, while Albirex Niigata's best-rated player is K. Chiba (6.84).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sagan Tosu have contributed 0 goals and 0 assists this season, led by —. Albirex Niigata's starters account for 1 goals and 1 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
Sagan Tosu deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Albirex Niigata's 4-man backline averaging 6.83. 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
Sagan Tosu field 5 midfielders averaging —, versus Albirex Niigata's 5 rated 6.54. 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
Sagan Tosu start 1 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 Sagan Tosu 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
Sagan Tosu's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 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 Sagan Tosu's starting XI is 33.0 (youngest: W. Harada (29), oldest: K. Moriya (37)), while Albirex Niigata average 34.7 (youngest: Y. Horigome (31), 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
Sagan Tosu's starters average 0 league appearances each, versus 16 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, Sagan Tosu have recorded 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Albirex Niigata show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sagan Tosu
Albirex Niigata
API data: 15 Mar 2026