Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kawasaki Frontale played out a 1-1 draw in the J1 League's Regular Season third round at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on 22 August 2026. The result keeps both sides on the pitch without either side gaining ground. Hiroshima remain fourth with 11 points from five matches, while Kawasaki sit eleventh on six points.
Mutsuki Kato gave the hosts the lead in the 29th minute, and here's the thing — it was his first goal of the campaign. Kawasaki levelled through Yuki Yamamoto just three minutes after the interval, a moment that shifted the momentum entirely. Both sides had opportunities after that, but neither could find a winner.
Hiroshima made a triple substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Tatsuya Ito, Marcinho and Asahi Sasaki all at once. Kawasaki responded by bringing on Lazar Romanić's replacement in the 73rd minute, and then added Kento Tachibanada and Mutsuki Kato in the final ten minutes. Hayao Kawabe came on for Hiroshima in the 90th minute as the hosts closed out the game.
The statistics tell one story, but the game told another. Hiroshima held 55 per cent possession and registered 102 attacks, yet only created one big chance. Kawasaki had fewer attacks but produced two, and their goalkeeper made six saves to Hiroshima's five shots on target that found the net.
What changed in this match compared to previous meetings? Kawasaki lost both encounters last season, but this time they matched their opponents move for move. To be fair, the hosts looked more comfortable in possession, but the visitors showed they have nothing to lose this season.