The first leg of the playoff round ended with Kobe overwhelming us from start to finish. After Osako scored from a direct free kick in the 28th minute, we conceded four goals in the second half, suffering a crushing 0-5 defeat.
Although the winner would be decided by the aggregate score over two matches, the goal difference was a heavy burden. However, even in a situation where everyone might hang their heads, the 12th warriors occupying the away stand at Stadium Kobe continued to passionately and fiercely cheer on the team.
"Even after that 0-5 loss, they continued to cheer us on, and there's no doubt that has become our energy."
Ahead of the second leg, Coach Oniki expressed his deep gratitude to those who always fight alongside them. At Tuesday's open practice, many fans and supporters rushed to the clubhouse and once again encouraged the players.
"I, too, somehow believe in the power of people."
As the coach said, we have always overcome numerous difficulties by uniting and believing in each other.
"What they (Kobe) were able to do on our home ground, there's no reason we can't do the same."
The captain said powerfully. Yes, tomorrow's battle is at our home, Mercari Stadium.
We will turn it around.
