In the previous away match against Kawasaki Frontale, the team spent a long time being pushed back by the opponent in the first half, but they managed to adapt and found a chance to win the game. In the 53rd minute, Yuma calmly converted a penalty kick earned from Misao's daring challenge for the ball, and in the 64th minute, Leo Ceara tapped in a cross from Yuma for an additional goal. Defensively, with a super save from goalkeeper Hayakawa, the two center-backs Ueda and Tae-hyeon showed stable defense, holding the highly offensive Kawasaki Frontale to a clean sheet.
After the match, coach Oniki praised the players' fighting spirit, saying, "There were tough times, but the players fought hard from start to finish, and I believe all the players demonstrated the fighting spirit I asked for most." In the match before last, an away game against Mito, it felt as though they were unfortunately overwhelmed by the opponent's fighting spirit. To break that negative streak, it was probably necessary to once again reclaim their original spirit.
Having started the second half of the league season with a victory, Antlers now welcome Urawa to their home stadium, Mercari Stadium, in this match. Although Urawa is currently struggling in 6th place in the EAST, Antlers can always play with passion against this rival, regardless of the circumstances.
In the first half of the league season at Saitama Stadium, Antlers quickly conceded two goals, but eventually scored three goals to come from behind and win. Next, let's overwhelm the opponent at Mercari Stadium, dyed in Antlers Red, and roar with joy together.
