Machida Zelvia were held to a 2-2 draw by Mito Hollyhock on February 14, 2026, in a J1 League match that saw the early-season surprise package drop points at home. After their stunning win over Yokohama F. Marinos, Zelvia found it difficult to break down a resilient Hollyhock side that fought back twice. The hosts took the lead twice during the match, first through a penalty and later from a deflected shot, but on both occasions Mito Hollyhock found an immediate response. The equalizing goals came from set-piece situations, exposing some defensive frailties in the Zelvia backline. The match ended with both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find a decisive third goal in an entertaining contest. The draw highlighted the competitive nature of the J1 League, where newly-promoted teams like Zelvia can no longer expect easy games. The point moved both teams up the table slightly, but Zelvia's manager may view it as a missed opportunity for a second consecutive win.