Kyoto Sanga 1-4 Shonan Bellmare: Bellmare Dominate in Pre-Season Friendly

In an emphatic display of attacking football, Shonan Bellmare routed Kyoto Sanga 4-1 in an International Club Friendly held on July 17, 2026. The match, played at 17:00 local time, served as a key pre-season test for both J.League sides, with Bellmare showcasing superior sharpness and finishing in front of goal.

Match Overview

Shonan Bellmare took control from the opening whistle, pressing high and creating chances with rapid transitions. Their midfield controlled possession, while the forwards exploited gaps in the Kyoto defence. The 4-1 scoreline reflected Bellmare’s dominance, although Kyoto showed resilience by pulling one goal back before half-time.

Key Moments

• 10th minute – Shonan Bellmare opened the scoring through a well-worked team move, with a striker converting a low cross from the right flank.
• 28th minute – Bellmare doubled their lead after a defensive error allowed a simple tap-in from close range.
• 35th minute – Kyoto Sanga responded swiftly. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and a header from the centre-back beat the Bellmare goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
• 42nd minute – Just before the break, Bellmare restored their two-goal cushion with a powerful long-range strike that curled into the top corner.
• 67th minute – The visitors added a fourth goal, finishing off a counter-attack with clinical precision.

Tactical Story

Kyoto Sanga attempted to build from the back but were repeatedly caught out by Bellmare’s aggressive press. The home side’s midfield struggled to retain possession, allowing Bellmare’s quick transitions to overload the final third. Kyoto’s lone goal came from a set piece, indicating their difficulty in open-play creativity. Bellmare’s 4-4-2 shape allowed them to dominate the flanks and feed crosses into dangerous areas.

Standout Players

• Shonan Bellmare #10 (Midfielder) – Dictated the tempo and provided two assists; his vision and passing range were instrumental.
• Kyoto Sanga #4 (Defender) – Scored the consolation goal and made several important clearances, but was overworked by Bellmare’s relentless attacks.

Pre-Season Impact

This friendly served as a useful fitness test for both teams ahead of the upcoming J.League campaign. Bellmare will take confidence from their clinical performance, while Kyoto will need to address defensive organisation and midfield stability before competitive fixtures resume.