FC TOKYO were the big winners in the final game of Match Week 29 in the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE on Monday night, edging a tight derby against Tokyo Verdy 1-0.
Motoki Nagakura was the hero for the hosts in front of 37,424 fans at Ajinomoto Stadium, striking the only goal of the game after an hour.
FC TOKYO were the first to threaten in the 16th minute, but after Marcos Guilherme cut purposefully infield and squared for Keita Endo he could only steer his shot from outside the area straight into the arms of Tokyo-V goalkeeper Matheus.
The visitors responded almost instantly with a first meaningful attempt of their own one minute later, but after Kosuke Saito played a one-two with Shoji Toyama he saw his fierce drive from range thud back off the crossbar.
Tokyo-V then went close to taking the lead in the 44th minute, but Hiroto Taniguchi’s left-footed effort from the edge of the area was tipped behind by FC TOKYO goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu, ensuring the sides went in level at the break.
Saito drew another save from Kim three minutes into the second half as Tokyo-V continued to probe for an opener, but his shot from just outside the area lacked the power needed and was easy enough for Kim to deal with.
Kim then made a very different contribution for his side in the 60th minute, sending a goal kick deep into the Tokyo-V half for Marcelo Ryan to flick on into Nagakura’s path. The FC TOKYO striker made no mistake with his opportunity, getting in-between two defenders before beautifully guiding the ball over Matheus and into the net with the outside of his left boot.
FC TOKYO then went close to doubling their lead in the 68th and 73rd minutes, but first Marcos Guilherme sent an attempt straight at Matheus and then Kein Sato dragged an effort wide from the edge of the D.
The closest Tokyo-V came to finding a way back into the contest was in the 87th minute, but although Yuya Fukuda did superbly to break in behind and then into the area with some forceful play on the left flank, he was unable to get enough purchase on his shot, which Kim fielded comfortably.
The win was enough for FC TOKYO to leapfrog Tokyo-V and Nagoya Grampus into 14th place on 34 points, while Tokyo-V dropped to 16th on 32, seven above the relegation zone.
FC TOKYO vs. Tokyo Verdy | 2025 J1 LEAGUE | MW29
