Match Summary
Sagan Tosu defeated Albirex Niigata 4:3. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by K. Yamazaki 13′, K. Taniguchi 17′, A. Yokoyama 32′, Y. Naganuma 51′, A. Yokoyama 53′, M. Fitzgerald 61′, S. Fujiwara 84′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Albirex Niigata had 58% possession while Sagan Tosu held 42%. Albirex Niigata had 19 shots (8 on target) compared to 17 (8 on target) for Sagan Tosu. Albirex Niigata made 4 substitutions, Sagan Tosu made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Kosuke Yamazaki 45′).
Match Events
Key match events between Albirex Niigata and Sagan Tosu — 7 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: T. Kikuchi
assist: Y. Komi
assist: S. Kimura
assist: A. Fukuta
assist: Y. Shimada
Match Statistics
Albirex Niigata had 58% possession against Sagan Tosu's 42%. Albirex Niigata registered 19 shots (8 on target) while Sagan Tosu managed 17 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 5–6. Fouls committed: 9–8.
Lineups
Albirex Niigata lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under R. Matsuhashi, while Sagan Tosu deployed a 4-2-3-1 under K. Kawai.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Albirex Niigata is 6.81, compared to — for Sagan Tosu. 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 Sagan Tosu's best-rated player is —.
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Albirex Niigata have contributed 12 goals and 8 assists this season, led by M. Hasegawa (7G). Sagan Tosu's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. 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 6.81 on average, against Sagan Tosu's 4-man backline averaging —. 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 6.81, versus Sagan Tosu's 5 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
Albirex Niigata start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.82, compared to 1 for Sagan Tosu averaging —. 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 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Sagan Tosu. 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 28.2 (youngest: Y. Komi (23), oldest: Y. Horigome (31)), while Sagan Tosu average 29.0 (youngest: Marcelo Ryan (23), oldest: Park Il-Gyu (36)). 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 0 for Sagan Tosu. 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. Sagan Tosu show 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Albirex Niigata
Sagan Tosu
API data: 15 Mar 2026