J1 League Round 24: Machida Zelvia Prepare Ahead, Gamba Osaka's Star Player Returns to Form

The 24th round of the J1 League continued on the afternoon of July 20, with Machida Zelvia and Gamba Osaka poised to take center stage. Despite having a strong squad, Machida Zelvia has bolstered their ranks by acquiring left-back Daiki Sugioka. This move suggests that the newly promoted team is determined to become the J1 League’s Kaiserslautern. Meanwhile, Gamba Osaka is in scorching form, with veteran Takashi Usami rediscovering his peak performance. If he maintains this level, there is a chance he could still secure a move abroad despite being over thirty.

Machida Zelvia vs Yokohama F. Marinos - What Impact Will the Coaching Change Have?

With the J1 League entering a two-week Olympic break after this round, Machida Zelvia, the newly promoted team, leads second-placed Gamba Osaka by five points and will surely top the table going into the break. In their previous match against Tokyo Verdy, Machida took the lead in the sixth minute and, with former national team player Gen Shoji leading the defense, held onto their 1-0 victory until the end. Goalkeeper Kosei Tani made several crucial saves, earning him consideration from national team coach Hajime Moriyasu, proving to be far superior to Ayane.

While preparing for their match against Yokohama F. Marinos, Machida was also active off the field, securing the loan of Daiki Sugioka from Shonan Bellmare. Before Sugioka’s arrival, Machida did not have a left-footed player in the left-back position. Now, they can create a more versatile tactical setup on the left flank. Machida's regular left-back, Koutaro Hayashi, has started every league game so far and now faces fierce competition.

Yokohama F. Marinos ended a four-game losing streak with a resounding 4-1 home victory over Kashima Antlers. However, this was not enough to save coach Kevin Muscat's job. Despite never being relegated before, the Marinos have frequently hovered around the relegation zone this season, which is unacceptable to their fans. Therefore, even a dominant win against a strong team couldn't keep Muscat from being sacked. Nonetheless, his final game in charge was an impressive one, with the Marinos' through passes constantly threatening the Antlers’ goal. All four goals were assisted, with their three foreign forwards wreaking havoc on Kashima's defense. If the Marinos could consistently play at that level, Machida might not be leading the table.

In their previous encounter, Machida overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit to win 3-1 away. The Marinos showed significant fatigue in the second half and were powerless to respond even on their home ground. Currently, Machida is progressing steadily and is expected to perform well at home. The Marinos might benefit from a new coach against mid-to-lower table teams, but facing the league leaders, they may struggle to showcase their strengths.

Gamba Osaka vs Shonan Bellmare - Usami Shines in Peak Form

This season's surprises are not limited to the newly promoted Machida. Gamba Osaka, who finished third from bottom last season, now sit in second place, a position no one could have predicted. In their last away match against Sagan Tosu, Gamba secured another clean sheet victory, maintaining the league's lowest number of goals conceded, tied with Machida. Foreign player Issam Jebali has scored in two consecutive substitute appearances, with coach Josep Gombau’s decisions earning praise from fans.

Shonan Bellmare, who achieved their first consecutive wins of the season last round with a 5-0 victory – their largest margin this season – have leapfrogged Kyoto Sanga to lead the relegation zone. If they win again this round, they have a chance to temporarily escape the relegation zone. Coach Satoshi Yamaguchi stated that the team is in good form, and the players are confident in their ability to avoid relegation.

In their first encounter, Gamba won 2-1 away, with Usami scoring both goals. He was named the player of the month in June and is currently in excellent form. The 30-year-old, a product of Gamba’s youth academy, once played for Bayern Munich and later for Hoffenheim, Augsburg, and Fortuna Dusseldorf in the Bundesliga, but never found consistent success. He has now scored eight goals in the J1 League this season and needs just two more to reach double digits in a single season for the third time.

Both teams are in good form, but Gamba has the advantage in strength and home support. They are expected to play well, while Shonan Bellmare might salvage a point.

Key Performances and Tactical Adjustments

Machida Zelvia’s success this season is largely attributed to their solid defensive performances and strategic acquisitions. The signing of Daiki Sugioka addresses a key tactical need on the left side, potentially allowing Machida to explore new formations and strategies. Koutaro Hayashi's competition with Sugioka could elevate the team's overall performance.

Yokohama F. Marinos, despite their recent managerial change, demonstrated their potential in their last game. The effectiveness of their direct passing and the impact of their foreign forwards are crucial aspects that could trouble Machida if replicated consistently. However, the Marinos' inconsistency remains a significant challenge.

Gamba Osaka’s resurgence is highlighted by Takashi Usami’s return to form. His ability to influence games, combined with the strategic use of substitutes like Issam Jebali, has strengthened Gamba’s attacking options. Coach Josep Gombau's tactical decisions and player rotations have been instrumental in Gamba's climb up the table.

Shonan Bellmare’s recent form boost and confidence will be tested against Gamba. Their impressive 5-0 win showcased their attacking potential, but maintaining consistency and confidence against stronger teams will be crucial for their survival hopes.

Looking Ahead

As the J1 League enters the Olympic break, teams will have a chance to regroup and strategize for the remainder of the season. Machida Zelvia, leading the table, will aim to consolidate their position, while Gamba Osaka will look to maintain their momentum. The managerial changes at Yokohama F. Marinos and the confidence boost for Shonan Bellmare add intriguing subplots to the season’s second half.

The tactical adjustments, player performances, and strategic acquisitions made during this period could significantly impact the final standings. As teams adapt and evolve, the battle for the top spots and the fight against relegation promise to provide thrilling and unpredictable moments in the J1 League.