Swan song without goals (Albirex Niigata vs Yokohama FC analysis) | OneFootball

Stalemate at the Swan: Albirex Niigata and Yokohama FC Share Points

Albirex Niigata and Yokohama FC played out a goalless draw at the Denka Big Swan Stadium, with both sides failing to capitalise on their recent momentum in J1 League action.

Possession Without Penetration

Daisuke Kimori's Niigata dominated possession with 64% and completed an impressive 608 passes at 87% accuracy, but lacked the cutting edge required to break down a resilient Yokohama defence.

The hosts managed 13 shots with four on target but couldn't find a way past Yokohama goalkeeper Akinori Ichikawa, who made four crucial saves to earn a 7.9 rating.

Niigata thought they had snatched victory late on when Yamato Wakatsuki found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for handball during the build-up.

Defensive Discipline

Yokohama FC, managed by S. Yomoda, set up in a compact 3-4-2-1 formation that effectively neutralised Niigata's attacking threats. Despite having just 36% possession, their defensive structure remained solid throughout.

Defender Akito Fukumori was particularly impressive, earning a 7.9 rating after winning seven of ten duels and making three tackles, while Makito Ito contributed significantly with five tackles and eight duels won from 11 contested.

Individual Standouts

Hayato Inamura was Niigata's standout performer with an 8.3 rating. The defender completed 103 passes at 91% accuracy while winning seven of 12 duels and contributing two blocks and an interception.

Midfielder Kaito Taniguchi also impressed during his 64 minutes on the pitch, recording two shots on target, two successful dribbles and two key passes for a 7.9 rating.

For Yokohama, beyond Ichikawa's heroics in goal, their defensive trio provided the foundation for the away point, with Ito's 7.6 rating complementing Fukumori's strong showing.

League Implications

The draw leaves Albirex Niigata still struggling near the bottom of the J1 League with just one win, four draws and four losses this season. Their recent defensive improvement – securing back-to-back clean sheets – provides some encouragement, but their finishing remains a significant concern.

Yokohama FC sit in mid-table after this result, with the point away from home extending their unbeaten run following their 2-0 victory against Shimizu S-Pulse last time out.

Both sides will be back in action on April 19th, with Niigata hosting Kyoto Sanga and Yokohama welcoming Gamba Osaka.