Hiroshima Claim Second Levain Cup Title Since 2022, Araki Named MVP [Summary: Levain Cup Final]

The J.League YBC Levain Cup Final was held at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on the 1st, where Hiroshima lifted the prestigious trophy after defeating Kashiwa 3-1.

Both sides lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, resulting in a closely matched tactical battle. While Kashiwa looked to build from the back, Hiroshima responded with an aggressive high press. As they won the ball in advanced areas and threatened through the likes of Ryo Germain, Hiroshima took the lead in the 25th minute when Hayato Araki headed home from Shuto Nakano’s long throw.

Kashiwa attempted to fight back, but Hiroshima stood firm with a composed defensive display. They then earned a free-kick opportunity just outside the penalty area in the 38th minute, which Shunki Higashi fired into the net to double their advantage. Just before the interval, Hiroshima struck again from another Nakano long throw, with Germain finishing with a volley to give his side a three-goal cushion at half-time.

Although Hiroshima were forced to spend more time defending in their own half after the break, their compact defensive structure remained intact. Instead, they continued to look for chances to add to their lead on the counter-attack.

After Kashiwa pulled one back in the 81st minute, Hiroshima made three substitutions to reinforce their defensive solidity and regain their shape. In the closing stages, they withstood Kashiwa’s relentless pressure to preserve their two-goal advantage.

Maintaining their trademark defensive resilience and making the most of their set-piece opportunities, Hiroshima secured a convincing 3-1 victory to claim their second Levain Cup title since the 2022 tournament.

Araki was named MVP after scoring the opening goal and playing a key role in anchoring Hiroshima’s back line.