The 2025 J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP Semi-final Second Legs took place on Sunday, with both Kashiwa Reysol and Sanfrecce Hiroshima winning their ties to progress to next month’s final.
Kashiwa completed a remarkable turnaround to beat Kawasaki Frontale 4-1, coming from behind on the night and on aggregate to emerge as 5-4 victors over two legs.
Having lost Wednesday’s first leg 3-1, things went from bad to worse for Kashiwa in just the fourth minute at SANKYO FRONTIER Kashiwa Stadium when Yasuto Wakizaka lashed home a loose ball for Kawasaki-F.
Yuki Kakita pulled one back for the hosts 22 minutes later though, tucking in at the near post after Yusei Yamanouchi had drilled in an inviting low cross from the right.
Kashiwa then received another boost as Kawasaki-F defender Filip Uremovic received a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity 11 minutes into the second half, and Hayato Nakama made it 4-3 on aggregate in the 73rd minute as he squeezed in an effort at the near post.
Mao Hosoya pulled Kashiwa level four minutes after that, heading home a Nakama cross from the left, before sparking pandemonium amongst the home fans as he chested down another pass from Nakama in the second minute of injury time, turned sharply, and rifled into the net.
Meanwhile, at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA, Hiroshima defeated Yokohama FC 2-1 to make sure of a 4-1 aggregate victory and ensure they will be taking part in their first final since 2022.
Hiroshima headed into the second leg with their destiny in their own hands having won 2-0 away from home in midweek, and they extended their advantage in the 10th minute when Valere Germain converted from the penalty spot after Kyo Hosoi had fouled Mutsuki Kato in the area.
Yokohama FC knew that meant they had to start throwing caution to the wind, and they almost pulled a goal back through Solomon Sakuragawa in the 15th minute, but Hiroshima goalkeeper Jeong Min Ki made a terrific save to deny Sakuragawa at close quarters.
Towa Yamane did then give the visitors a slither of hope two minutes later when he pulled a goal back for Yokohama FC, sending a rocket of a strike from 30 yards past Jeong and soaring into the top corner.
That was to be the only time Yokohama FC managed to find a way through though, and Ryo Germain made absolutely sure for Hiroshima with 15 minutes remaining as he converted a low drive from the edge of the D with his left foot.
The final will take place at Japan National Stadium on Saturday November 1, when two-time winners Kashiwa aim for their first triumph since 2013 and Hiroshima target their second title, having been crowned champions three years ago.
