Match Summary
Albirex Niigata and Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 1:1. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by H. Araki 69′, Y. Takagi 90′. 1 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Albirex Niigata had 33% possession while Sanfrecce Hiroshima held 67%. Albirex Niigata had 6 shots (3 on target) compared to 17 (6 on target) for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Expected goals: Albirex Niigata 0.45 — Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1.56. Albirex Niigata made 5 substitutions, Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 3. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Fumiya Hayakawa 31′).
Match Events
Key match events between Albirex Niigata and Sanfrecce Hiroshima — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Higashi
Match Statistics
Albirex Niigata had 33% possession against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 67%. Albirex Niigata registered 6 shots (3 on target) while Sanfrecce Hiroshima managed 17 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 3–6. Fouls committed: 14–11.
Lineups
Albirex Niigata lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under R. Matsuhashi, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima deployed a 3-4-2-1 under M. Skibbe.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Albirex Niigata is 6.73, compared to 6.96 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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 M. Hasegawa (6.96), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima's best-rated player is S. Nakano (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Albirex Niigata have contributed 8 goals and 7 assists this season, led by M. Hasegawa (7G). Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters account for 6 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by M. Kato (3G). 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 6.80 on average, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 3-man backline averaging 7.05. 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 6.74, versus Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 4 rated 6.96. 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 6.66, compared to 3 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima averaging 6.87. 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 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 7 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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 29.2 (youngest: E. Miyamoto (27), oldest: Y. Ono (33)), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima average 27.4 (youngest: S. Koshimichi (21), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)). 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 21 league appearances each, versus 26 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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. Sanfrecce Hiroshima show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Albirex Niigata
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Head to Head
Albirex Niigata and Sanfrecce Hiroshima have met 2 times — Albirex Niigata won 1, Sanfrecce Hiroshima won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (1 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–2 in 2025.
1
Albirex Niigata
0
Drawn
1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026