[Match Report] 2-0 Away Win Over the Champions Keeps ACL Hopes Alive
In Round 20 of the Singapore Premier League, Albirex Niigata FC (S) travelled to the home of Lion City Sailors FC, who had already secured the league title while remaining unbeaten.
For Albirex, it was a crucial match in which victory was essential to keep their hopes of qualifying for the ACL alive.
From the opening stages, Lion City Sailors FC enjoyed more possession. However, Albirex defended with focus and did not allow their opponents any clear-cut chances, with neither side able to create a major opportunity as the match progressed.
In the 26th minute, the home side threatened in front of goal, but Komei Iida put his body on the line to deny them and keep the score level.
In the 34th minute, Yang Hyeonju pounced on a misplaced pass from the opposition and drove forward before laying the ball off to Shingo Nakano. Nakano got his shot away, but it was kept out by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper.
Then, in the 38th minute, Yang Hyeonju latched onto a through ball from Naoki Yoshioka and found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The first half ended goalless at 0-0, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
After the break, Albirex took control of the match.
In the 50th minute, Yang Hyeonju received the ball on the left flank and delivered an accurate cross towards Shingo Nakano, who had made a run into the box. Nakano met it with a header to give Albirex the long-awaited opening goal.
Riding the momentum, Albirex doubled their lead just three minutes later. Yang Hyeonju cut through the left side and went for goal, only to be denied by the opposing goalkeeper. The loose ball was then worked across, and Mamat calmly slotted it home to make it 2-0. Two quick goals early in the second half put Albirex firmly in control.
The home side then began to push forward in search of a response. In the 59th minute, Albirex were opened up down the left and faced a headed effort from a cross, but goalkeeper Hassan Sunny produced a superb save.
In the 63rd minute, another cross from the left was turned back into the middle and met with a shot. The ball struck the post before Hassan safely gathered it.
In the 69th minute, Shingo Nakano raced onto a through ball from Yang Hyeonju and found himself with a clear chance, but his effort was denied by another fine save from the opposing goalkeeper.
From the 70th minute onwards, Lion City Sailors FC launched a sustained spell of pressure. Even so, Albirex’s defenders continued to put their bodies on the line and refused to let the home side find a way through.
Albirex also stood firm through the late onslaught in stoppage time, seeing out a 2-0 victory. Against a Lion City Sailors FC side that had sealed the league title in the previous round, Albirex claimed a significant win away from home.
BG Tampines Rovers FC, who sit second in the league, also won their match this round, meaning the gap remains at two points.
Nevertheless, Albirex will head into the final round with their hopes of qualifying for the ACL still alive.
The team will continue their preparations as they look to overturn the gap in the final match of the season.
Thank you very much for your support this round.
【Next Match】
Singapore Premier League Round 21 (Final Round)
16 May (Sat), 7:30pm vs Young Lions
@Jurong East Stadium (HOME)
