Matsuzaki masterclass sinks title contenders (Shimizu S-pulse vs Avispa Fukuoka analysis) | OneFootball

Shimizu S-pulse Stun League High-flyers Avispa Fukuoka

Clinical Shimizu End Fukuoka's Unbeaten Run with 3-1 Victory

Shimizu S-pulse delivered a masterclass in efficiency as they secured a 3-1 victory over title-chasing Avispa Fukuoka at the IAI Stadium Nihondaira, ending the visitors' seven-match unbeaten streak.

The hosts wasted no time making their mark, with Kai Matsuzaki firing them ahead after just three minutes, converting from Capixaba's excellent build-up play. Fukuoka responded quickly when Tomoya Miki converted from the penalty spot in the ninth minute after Kazuki Fujimoto was fouled in the box.

Despite Fukuoka dominating possession (62%), it was Shimizu who struck decisively before half-time. Brazilian midfielder Matheus Bueno restored their lead with a header from Matsuzaki's corner in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, before Matsuzaki claimed his second goal three minutes later following Kengo Kitazume's cross.

Matsuzaki Stars as S-pulse Continue Resurgence

This victory marks Shimizu's second consecutive league win - a first for them this season - following their dramatic comeback against Yokohama F. Marinos last week when they overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

Matsuzaki was the standout performer, earning an 8.7 match rating with two goals and an assist. The forward has been in scintillating form, proving instrumental in Shimizu's recent upturn in results.

"We showed great character today," said Shimizu manager Akiba Tadahiro. "The team is building momentum and showing real unity, especially considering our tight schedule and injury challenges."

Kengo Kitazume also impressed, winning 9 of 13 duels while contributing both defensively and in attack, while January signing Matheus Bueno continued to justify his acquisition with a crucial goal.

Title Chasers Stumble

For Avispa Fukuoka, this defeat marks their first loss in eight matches and sees them surrender top spot in the J1 League to Kyoto Sanga. Despite creating more chances (13 shots to Shimizu's 7), Kim Myung Hwi's side lacked the clinical edge that has defined their impressive start to the campaign.

The visitors, who had conceded just twice in their previous seven matches, shipped three goals in a single game for the first time this season, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that had previously been well-hidden.

Miki's penalty was their only reward from a match where they dominated the ball but struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities, with just three shots on target despite their territorial advantage.

Tactical Battle

Shimizu's 3-4-2-1 formation proved effective against Fukuoka's possession-based 4-2-3-1 system. The hosts' compact defensive shape and rapid transitions repeatedly caught Fukuoka off guard, while set-pieces proved decisive with Bueno's header coming directly from a corner.

The match statistics tell the story of contrasting approaches: Fukuoka completed 327 of 428 passes (76% accuracy) compared to Shimizu's 182 from 269 (68%), but the hosts' direct approach yielded more dangerous opportunities.

Both managers utilised their full complement of substitutions in the second half, with Fukuoka's Yu Hashimoto making a positive impact off the bench, though not enough to spark a comeback.