Match Summary
Kashima defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3:1. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by N. Ueda 5′, Y. Suzuki 15′ (pen.), Marcos Júnior 65′, A. Čavrić 84′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 59% possession while Kashima held 41%. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 15 shots (2 on target) compared to 11 (5 on target) for Kashima. Expected goals: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1.17 — Kashima 1.83. Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 5 substitutions, Kashima made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kashima — 4 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Nago
Penalty
assist: K. Sano
Match Statistics
Sanfrecce Hiroshima had 59% possession against Kashima's 41%. Sanfrecce Hiroshima registered 15 shots (2 on target) while Kashima managed 11 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 10–3. Fouls committed: 17–15.
Lineups
Sanfrecce Hiroshima lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under M. Skibbe, while Kashima deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. Popović.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sanfrecce Hiroshima is 6.96, compared to 6.97 for Kashima. 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. Sanfrecce Hiroshima's highest-rated starter is S. Nakano (7.19), while Kashima's best-rated player is Y. Suzuki (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sanfrecce Hiroshima have contributed 6 goals and 5 assists this season, led by M. Kato (3G). Kashima's starters account for 16 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by Y. Suzuki (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Sanfrecce Hiroshima deploy 3 defenders rated 7.05 on average, against Kashima's 4-man backline averaging 6.96. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima field 4 midfielders averaging 6.96, versus Kashima's 5 rated 6.83. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.87, compared to 1 for Kashima averaging 7.24. 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters have collected 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 13 for Kashima. 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 Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starting XI is 27.4 (youngest: S. Koshimichi (21), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)), while Kashima average 27.8 (youngest: I. Sekigawa (25), oldest: K. Anzai (30)). 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
Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 22 for Kashima. 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, Sanfrecce Hiroshima have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Kashima show 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Kashima
Head to Head
Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kashima have met 2 times — Sanfrecce Hiroshima won 1, Kashima won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Sanfrecce Hiroshima 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 (2 for the home side, 1 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.
1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
1
Drawn
0
Kashima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026