Match Summary
Albirex Niigata defeated Kyoto Sanga 1:0. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by K. Taniguchi 59′. 1 yellow cards were shown. Kyoto Sanga had 47% possession while Albirex Niigata held 53%. Kyoto Sanga had 11 shots (1 on target) compared to 12 (3 on target) for Albirex Niigata. Expected goals: Kyoto Sanga 0.93 — Albirex Niigata 1.15. Kyoto Sanga made 5 substitutions, Albirex Niigata made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Kyoto Sanga and Albirex Niigata — 1 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Y. Takagi
Match Statistics
Kyoto Sanga had 47% possession against Albirex Niigata's 53%. Kyoto Sanga registered 11 shots (1 on target) while Albirex Niigata managed 12 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 8–7. Fouls committed: 17–16.
Lineups
Kyoto Sanga lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Cho Kwi-Jae, while Albirex Niigata deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. Matsuhashi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Kyoto Sanga is 6.88, 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. Kyoto Sanga's highest-rated starter is T. Hara (7.19), while Albirex Niigata's best-rated player is K. Chiba (6.84).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Kyoto Sanga have contributed 9 goals and 11 assists this season, led by T. Hara (5G). Albirex Niigata's starters account for 4 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by Y. Komi (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Kyoto Sanga deploy 4 defenders rated 6.84 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
Kyoto Sanga field 3 midfielders averaging 6.69, versus Albirex Niigata's 5 rated 6.63. 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
Kyoto Sanga start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.19, compared to 1 for Albirex Niigata averaging 6.82. 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 Kyoto Sanga 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
Kyoto Sanga's starters have collected 13 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 Kyoto Sanga's starting XI is 26.6 (youngest: S. Fukuda (25), oldest: S. Takeda (31)), while Albirex Niigata average 30.5 (youngest: Y. Komi (23), 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
Kyoto Sanga's starters average 30 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, Kyoto Sanga have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeats. Albirex Niigata show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Kyoto Sanga
Albirex Niigata
Head to Head
Kyoto Sanga and Albirex Niigata have met 2 times — Kyoto Sanga won 2, Albirex Niigata won 0, 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 (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 2–1 in 2025.
2
Kyoto Sanga
0
Drawn
0
Albirex Niigata
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026