Match Summary
Kyoto Sanga defeated Albirex Niigata 3:1. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by Y. Toyokawa 28′, N. Arai 72′, Patric 75′, Patric 80′ (pen.). 3 yellow cards were shown. Albirex Niigata had 76% possession while Kyoto Sanga held 24%. Albirex Niigata had 20 shots (4 on target) compared to 10 (3 on target) for Kyoto Sanga. Albirex Niigata made 3 substitutions, Kyoto Sanga made 5. VAR was involved: Goal confirmed (Yuta Toyokawa 31′).
Match Events
Key match events between Albirex Niigata and Kyoto Sanga — 4 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Danilo Gomes
assist: K. Ichimi
Penalty
Match Statistics
Albirex Niigata had 76% possession against Kyoto Sanga's 24%. Albirex Niigata registered 20 shots (4 on target) while Kyoto Sanga managed 10 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 11–2. Fouls committed: 9–17.
Lineups
Albirex Niigata lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under R. Matsuhashi, while Kyoto Sanga deployed a 4-3-3 under Cho Kwi-Jae.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Albirex Niigata is 6.74, compared to 6.80 for Kyoto Sanga. 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 Kyoto Sanga's best-rated player is T. Hirato (6.91).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Albirex Niigata have contributed 4 goals and 2 assists this season, led by Y. Komi (2G). Kyoto Sanga's starters account for 0 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by —. 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 Kyoto Sanga's 4-man backline averaging 6.78. 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 6.66, versus Kyoto Sanga's 3 rated 6.80. 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 3 for Kyoto Sanga 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.
Discipline
Albirex Niigata's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 13 for Kyoto Sanga. 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 26.5 (youngest: Y. Komi (23), oldest: K. Taniguchi (30)), while Kyoto Sanga average 26.0 (youngest: K. Sato (25), oldest: T. Hirato (28)). 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 22 league appearances each, versus 33 for Kyoto Sanga. 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
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Albirex Niigata have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Kyoto Sanga show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Albirex Niigata
Kyoto Sanga
Head to Head
Albirex Niigata and Kyoto Sanga have met 2 times — Albirex Niigata won 0, Kyoto Sanga won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Kyoto Sanga 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 2–1 in 2025.
0
Albirex Niigata
0
Drawn
2
Kyoto Sanga
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026