Match Summary
Kashima defeated Albirex Niigata 2:0. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by Y. Kakita 9′, Y. Suzuki 30′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Kashima had 33% possession while Albirex Niigata held 67%. Kashima had 10 shots (3 on target) compared to 9 (3 on target) for Albirex Niigata. Expected goals: Kashima 0.69 — Albirex Niigata 0.99. Kashima made 5 substitutions, Albirex Niigata made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Kashima and Albirex Niigata — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: K. Anzai
assist: Y. Kakita
Match Statistics
Kashima had 33% possession against Albirex Niigata's 67%. Kashima registered 10 shots (3 on target) while Albirex Niigata managed 9 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 4–6. Fouls committed: 10–12.
Lineups
Kashima lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under D. Iwamasa, while Albirex Niigata deployed a 4-4-2 under R. Matsuhashi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Kashima is 6.99, compared to 6.72 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. Kashima's highest-rated starter is Y. Suzuki (7.24), while Albirex Niigata's best-rated player is Y. Horigome (6.82).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Kashima have contributed 10 goals and 11 assists this season, led by Y. Suzuki (10G). Albirex Niigata's starters account for 1 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
Kashima deploy 4 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against Albirex Niigata's 4-man backline averaging 6.81. 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
Kashima field 4 midfielders averaging 6.79, versus Albirex Niigata's 4 rated —. 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
Kashima start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.24, compared to 2 for Albirex Niigata averaging 6.54. 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
Kashima's starters have collected 9 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 Kashima's starting XI is 28.3 (youngest: I. Sekigawa (25), oldest: K. Anzai (30)), while Albirex Niigata average 31.3 (youngest: S. Fujiwara (30), oldest: Y. Takagi (33)). 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
Kashima's starters average 24 league appearances each, versus 26 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
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Kashima have recorded 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats. Albirex Niigata show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Kashima
Albirex Niigata
Head to Head
Kashima and Albirex Niigata have met 2 times — Kashima won 2, Albirex Niigata won 0, 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 (4 for the home side, 2 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.
2
Kashima
0
Drawn
0
Albirex Niigata
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026