Match Summary
Urawa defeated Albirex Niigata 4:2. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by Thiago Santana 4′, S. Gustafson 65′, N. Maeda 69′, S. Ota 75′, M. Nagakura 87′, 2 Thiago Santana 90′ (pen.). 1 yellow cards were shown. Albirex Niigata had 52% possession while Urawa held 48%. Albirex Niigata had 19 shots (9 on target) compared to 10 (6 on target) for Urawa. Expected goals: Albirex Niigata 2.16 — Urawa 1.76. Albirex Niigata made 5 substitutions, Urawa made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Yuji Ono 55′).
Match Events
Key match events between Albirex Niigata and Urawa — 6 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: R. Watanabe
assist: R. Watanabe
assist: Thiago Santana
assist: M. Fitzgerald
Penalty
Match Statistics
Albirex Niigata had 52% possession against Urawa's 48%. Albirex Niigata registered 19 shots (9 on target) while Urawa managed 10 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 6–1. Fouls committed: 15–4.
Lineups
Albirex Niigata lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under R. Matsuhashi, while Urawa deployed a 4-3-3 under P. Høgmo.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Albirex Niigata is 6.81, compared to 6.88 for Urawa. 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 Urawa's best-rated player is M. Høibråten (7.17).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Albirex Niigata have contributed 7 goals and 6 assists this season, led by M. Hasegawa (7G). Urawa's starters account for 19 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by R. Watanabe (7G). 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 Urawa's 4-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 4 midfielders averaging 6.96, versus Urawa's 3 rated 6.76. 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 2 forward(s) averaging 6.66, compared to 3 for Urawa averaging 6.71. 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 Albirex Niigata and 46% for Urawa. 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
Albirex Niigata's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 13 for Urawa. 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 30.0 (youngest: M. Hasegawa (27), oldest: Y. Ono (33)), while Urawa average 30.5 (youngest: H. Ishihara (26), oldest: S. Nishikawa (39)). 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 28 league appearances each, versus 25 for Urawa. 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. Urawa show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Albirex Niigata
Urawa
Head to Head
Albirex Niigata and Urawa have met 2 times — Albirex Niigata won 0, Urawa won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Urawa leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. 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 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–1 in 2025.
0
Albirex Niigata
1
Drawn
1
Urawa
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026