Stoppage-time heartbreak deepens Tokyo's relegation nightmare (FC Tokyo vs Kashiwa Reysol analysis) | OneFootball

Last-Gasp Kinoshita Strike Denies FC Tokyo Vital Win

Kashiwa Reysol's Late Equaliser Extends Tokyo's Winless Run to Seven

FC Tokyo's relegation fears deepened as Kosuke Kinoshita's stoppage-time equaliser earned Kashiwa Reysol a 1-1 draw at a rain-soaked Ajinomoto Stadium on Sunday.

Teruhito Nakagawa had given the hosts a 35th-minute lead with his first goal of the season, but Kinoshita's dramatic intervention in the 94th minute ensured the points were shared in this J1 League clash.

Tale of Two Styles

The match showcased contrasting approaches, with third-placed Reysol dominating possession (69%) while struggling Tokyo relied on defensive resilience and counter-attacks.

Ricardo Rodríguez's visitors completed an impressive 718 passes at 89% accuracy compared to Tokyo's 316, yet both sides registered 10 shots throughout the contest.

"We earned a valuable point today, but we need to improve our efficiency in the final third," Rodríguez said post-match.

Tokyo's Troubles Continue

The result leaves Rikizo Matsuhashi's side languishing in 17th place and without a win in seven matches, having collected just two points from a possible 21.

"We still have a lot of weaknesses," admitted Matsuhashi, whose team appeared set for a crucial victory until their late defensive lapse.

Seiji Kimura was Tokyo's standout performer with a resolute defensive display that included two crucial blocks, while captain Takahiro Ko provided leadership with four interceptions.

Reysol's Resilience

Kashiwa's unbeaten run now extends to five matches as they maintain their impressive league position. Midfield duo Koki Kumasaka and Yoshio Koizumi controlled proceedings, with Kumasaka completing 72 passes and making three interceptions.

But it was substitute Kinoshita who proved the hero, keeping his composure when it mattered most to salvage a point that maintains Reysol's momentum.

Both teams now turn their attention to away fixtures, with FC Tokyo facing Cerezo Osaka in what has become a must-win encounter, while Kashiwa travel to Shonan Bellmare looking to strengthen their position in the upper echelons of the table.