Kyoto Sanga
Kyoto Sanga 2-3 Kashiwa Reysol: J1 League Drama as Away Side Fight Back
Kyoto Sanga surrendered a two-goal lead in heartbreaking fashion as Kashiwa Reysol stormed back to win 3-2 in a J1 League thriller at Sanga Stadium. Rafael Papagaio’s first-half double had the hosts cruising, but Tojiro Kubo sparked the revival before substitute Yusuke Segawa’s late brace completed a spectacular turnaround.
Kyoto Sanga Fly Out the Blocks
The hosts were ahead inside three minutes – Papagaio latching onto Ryuma Nakano’s through ball before coolly slotting past Reysol keeper Riku Kojima. Kyoto’s Brazilian striker doubled his tally on 33 minutes, firing home after Kyo Sato’s clever pull-back. With 55% possession and five first-half shots on target, Popovic’s men looked in complete control.
Kashiwa Reysol’s Second-Half Resurrection
Ricardo Rodriguez’s halftime changes proved inspired. Shota Fujio and Wataru Harada injected urgency, and Kubo’s 59th-minute strike – assisted by Masaki Watai – changed everything. VAR then intervened, upgrading Watai’s foul to a yellow card, before the midfielder turned provider again for Segawa’s 67th-minute equaliser. The comeback was complete when Segawa volleyed in Yoshio Koizumi’s cross just four minutes later.
J1 League Implications
For Kyoto, this collapse will sting – their three yellow cards showing mounting frustration as a potential fourth win of the season slipped away. Reysol’s never-say-die spirit moves them into the top half, with Segawa’s heroics off the bench underlining their squad depth. Both sides face crucial midweek fixtures – Kyoto needing to regroup fast before hosting Shonan Bellmare.
Key Moments
3′ ⚽ Kyoto Sanga — Rafael Papagaio (assist: Ryuma Nakano)
33′ ⚽ Kyoto Sanga — Rafael Papagaio (assist: Kyo Sato)
59′ ⚽ Kashiwa Reysol — Tojiro Kubo (assist: Masaki Watai)
67′ ⚽ Kashiwa Reysol — Yusuke Segawa (assist: Masaki Watai)
