Double impact: Urawa's new order turns the tide | OneFootball

Urawa 2-1 Yokohama FC: Gustafson Brace Seals Win as Urawa's Overhaul Pays Off

Squad Evolution and Tactical Setup

Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama FC met in Saitama with both sides fielding line-ups shaped by heavy recruitment over the winter and spring transfer windows. Maciej Skorża’s Urawa adopted their now-familiar 4-2-3-1, continuing to integrate new arrivals such as Matheus Sávio, Danilo Boza, and Takuro Kaneko as regular starters. The starting eleven also included experienced figures like Shusaku Nishikawa and Genki Haraguchi, signalling a blend of stability and adjustment.

Yokohama FC, managed by S. Yomoda, presented a 3-4-2-1 system. The key attacking trio—Musashi Suzuki, Yoshiaki Komai, and Lukian—were all recent additions, reflecting bold attempts at refreshing a squad that has struggled for consistency this season. Defensively, the new faces continued to feature, with Boniface Nduka and Makito Ito among the recent signings asked to anchor the back three.

Match Overview and Key Moments

The match opened with Urawa controlling much of the possession, but Yokohama FC’s defensive structure stifled early efforts. The visitors capitalized late in the first half: in the 43rd minute, Lukian finished a swift move engineered by Komai, handing Yokohama the lead against the run of play.

Urawa responded early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Samuel Gustafson—one of this season’s new midfield arrivals—connected with a Hirokazu Ishihara cross to bring Urawa level. Sávio picked up the match’s only yellow card shortly after, but Urawa’s pressure did not relent. In the 83rd minute, Gustafson again found the net, this time reacting quickest after a rebound from a corner to secure the three points for the home side.

By the Numbers

Urawa ended the match with significant control over proceedings. They finished with 65% possession and completed 587 passes at an 85% accuracy rate, compared to Yokohama FC’s 321 passes at 74% accuracy. Shots were close—Urawa with 14 (3 on target), Yokohama FC with 9 (3 on target)—but Urawa’s territorial and passing advantage was clear, reflected in their 8 corners to 6.

Despite conceding early, Urawa’s defensive structure limited Yokohama’s ability to threaten after the break. Yokohama FC committed 5 fouls to Urawa’s 9, and only one yellow card was shown.

Individual Performances

Samuel Gustafson stood out, scoring both Urawa goals and completing 82 passes, adding 3 tackles, and winning 6 of 11 duels. Hirokazu Ishihara contributed an assist and was solid defensively. For Yokohama FC, Boniface Nduka’s 4 tackles and 3 blocks helped keep the score close for much of the match, while Lukian provided the attacking highlight with his first-half goal.

Yuri Lara anchored Yokohama’s midfield, winning 10 of 17 duels and completing 2 dribbles, but overall Yokohama struggled to maintain possession and create sustained pressure, particularly in the second half.

Broader Context and Trends

This result marks Urawa’s first league win in four matches and comes ahead of their continental campaign in the Club World Cup. The match was played in front of nearly 40,000 fans, underlining heightened expectations for Urawa as they look toward international competition.

Yokohama FC’s recent offensive additions have yet to fully alleviate their scoring concerns. They remain among the league’s lowest scorers, and squad injuries—particularly in defence and attack—continue to disrupt progress.

Urawa’s ongoing integration of new signings has bolstered their defensive stability and midfield control, trends that were visible again in this match. Yokohama FC, meanwhile, are still seeking consistency across both ends of the pitch, with urgent need to address both scoring shortfalls and defensive lapses.

Urawa’s next league fixture is away at FC Tokyo, while Yokohama FC return home to face Kawasaki Frontale.