Kawasaki Frontale are the Emperor’s Cup champions after prevailing over Kashiwa Reysol in a spectacular penalty kick shootout at the Japan National Stadium.

Frontale and Reysol traded outstanding shots from the spot and magnificent saves, sending the cup-deciding penalties to the 11th round, when the goalkeepers had to take their kicks. Jung Sung-ryong buried his shot in the top corner, then stepped between the sticks and saved Kenta Matsumoto’s attempt to win the 103rd Emperor’s Cup for Frontale.

A terrific crowd of over 60,000 fans filled the stadium and created a superb atmosphere from the moment the teams took the pitch for warm-ups. Both sides fed upon the energy of their supporters and the match began at a frantic pace.

Despite the energy and intention of both teams, there was no way through. Both Frontale and Reysol defended resolutely and the battles for 50/50 balls in the midfield were fierce, breaking up the flow of the attacks.

The second half offered little more than the first, as the two sides fought hard, but were unable to find a way through. The match went to extra time tied at 0-0, but even the additional 30 minutes couldn’t provide the breakthrough so penalties would have to decide things.

The first three rounds of penalties were expertly taken and Kento Tachibanada buried Frontale’s fourth penalty, but Keiya Sento missed the frame with his and Reysol were on the ropes.

If Bafétimbi Gomis converted his penalty, Frontale would win the cup, but Matsumoto made a terrific save at a full stretch to keep the shootout going. Yuki Muto then made his shot before Matsumoto came up big again with another save, giving Reysol a chance to win it, but Eiichi Katayama’s penalty clattered the bar and the shootout continued.

The next three rounds saw both teams make their shots, turning things over to the goalkeepers, where Jung reigned supreme.

When Jung turned Matsumoto away, the Frontale players rushed their heroic goalkeeper. He had won the match with his foot and his gloves, and Frontale had won their second Emperor’s Cup crown, following their 2020 triumph. Not only that, but they had earned a berth into the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite.

It was a fabulous day at the Japan National Stadium for the traditional curtain-closer to the Japanese football season and it was a day that will go down in Kawasaki Frontale history. Thanks to Jung Sung-ryong, they are Emperor’s Cup champions again.