Last-gasp Takai rescues point in six-goal thriller (Kawasaki Frontale vs Yokohama F. Marinos analysis) | OneFootball

Kawasaki Frontale 3-3 Yokohama F. Marinos: Late Drama in Thrilling Kanagawa Derby

Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F. Marinos played out an enthralling 3-3 draw in the J1 League on Wednesday evening, with Kota Takai's 100th-minute equaliser capping off a pulsating Kanagawa Derby at Todoroki Stadium.

Match Highlights

The hosts took an early lead through Yuto Ozeki in the 7th minute before Yan Matheus levelled for Yokohama shortly before half-time. The second half produced even more drama as César Haydar restored Kawasaki's advantage in the 67th minute, only for Yokohama to turn the match on its head through Jun Amano in the 89th minute and Matheus again in stoppage time. However, Takai's last-gasp header from Yasuto Wakizaka's delivery ensured the spoils were shared.

Yokohama's evening began with adversity when January signing Jeisson Quiñónes suffered an injury in the 4th minute, forcing manager Stephen Holland to introduce Thomas Deng as an early substitute. Kawasaki had also faced pre-match disruption when forward Ten Miyagi was injured during the warm-up, with Marcinho stepping into the starting lineup.

Statistical Breakdown

Despite enjoying less possession (41% to Yokohama's 59%), Kawasaki made the most of their opportunities. The hosts registered 10 shots with 4 on target, while Yokohama created more chances with 16 shots and 5 on target.

Wakizaka was instrumental for Kawasaki, providing two assists and creating four key passes in a creative masterclass. For the visitors, Yan Matheus was the standout performer with a brace and an 8.2 match rating.

Tactical Analysis

Both sides employed 4-2-3-1 formations but with contrasting approaches. Kawasaki manager Shigetoshi Hasebe set his team up to counter-attack with pace, while Holland's Yokohama dominated possession with 550 passes at 87% accuracy compared to Kawasaki's 389 at 81%.

Colombian defender César Haydar, who joined Kawasaki from RB Bragantino in January, continued his impressive adaptation to Japanese football with another goal to add to his solid defensive work (3 tackles, 2 interceptions).

The match also highlighted the impact of Daiya Tono's winter move from Kawasaki to Yokohama, with the forward featuring prominently against his former club.

League Implications

The result keeps Kawasaki in 3rd place on 16 points, extending their unbeaten run to five matches. Meanwhile, Yokohama's struggles continue as they remain 17th with 8 points, now winless in their last four fixtures.

Jean Claude Aziangbe's 79th-minute yellow card means he'll miss Yokohama's next fixture, adding to Holland's selection headaches as his side prepares to visit Avispa Fukuoka.