We left the hotel and prepared for the match against Atlético Madrid at the ground with a 10 AM kickoff.
＜Today's Match Result: Preliminary League Group B Match 2 vs. Atlético Madrid, 10:00 AM Kickoff＞
First Half: 0-2
Second Half: 2-4
Total: 2-6
Goal Scorers: Taniguchi, Funasaki
Starting Lineup:
GK: Chiba
FP: Taniguchi, Okita, Fukuhara, Kobayashi, Murayama, Ueki, Isora, Fuchigami, Ishizu, Nakayama
Substitutes: Kikuchi, Funasaki, Ito, Iizuka
In the pre-match meeting, we reviewed the opponent team's and players' characteristics from the footage we watched yesterday and organized what we needed to do today. We also confirmed our attacking and defensive objectives, timing for pressing, and other strategies before heading into the match.
With the team having many issues with how we start and approach matches, we struggled again today by conceding early goals. After conceding two goals in quick succession in the 8th and 10th minutes, we were gradually able to defend more tenaciously by reviewing our defensive coordination.
We finished the first half and were instructed to re-confirm our defense and thoroughly establish how to build up attacks from the start for the second half. We also confirmed the need to react faster to second balls and be proactive.
However, we conceded goals again at the start of the second half, including from set pieces, putting us in an even more difficult situation. But we immediately scored one back, and we were able to continue playing with a fighting spirit until the end, showing resilience, tenacious defense, and aggressively contesting loose balls.
Although we conceded further goals, we were able to create decisive chances in the late stages of the game. However, we couldn't narrow the deficit due to missed shots.
＜Group B standings after Day 2 of the tournament＞
Atletico: 4 points
Cruzeiro: 4 points
Hebei China Fortune: 1 point
Antlers: 1 point
Tomorrow's match: 10:00 AM Kickoff vs. Cruzeiro
A win would significantly increase our chances of advancing to the upper tournament.
(Tie-breaking rules for preliminary league standings: 1. Head-to-head 2. Goal difference 3. Goals scored)
After the match, we had lunch and took some rest. Players with limited playing time in the match underwent training.
After dinner, we had a meeting and reviewed footage for tomorrow's match.
