Sanfrecce Hiroshima produced one of their most complete performances of the J1 League season, dismantling Shimizu S-Pulse 4-0 at Edion Stadium Hiroshima on 24 October 2026. A first-half opener set the tone, and Sanfrecce’s pressing, movement and finishing proved too much for Shimizu S-Pulse to handle.

Match overview

Sanfrecce Hiroshima started with intent, pressing Shimizu S-Pulse high and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The opener arrived in the ninth minute through Mutsuki Kato, whose intelligent run behind the defence was rewarded with a composed finish. Hiroshima doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Pieros Sotiriou converted from close range after a flowing move down the left.

The second half was one-way traffic. Sotiriou added his second in the 58th minute, finishing a rebound after Shimizu’s goalkeeper had made the initial save. Douglas Vieira completed the scoring in the 76th minute, heading home a cross from the right. Shimizu S-Pulse, unable to cope with Hiroshima’s intensity, were left chasing shadows for much of the afternoon.

Key moments

• 9' — Hiroshima lead: Mutsuki Kato timed his run perfectly and finished low into the corner.
• 34' — Sotiriou doubles the lead: A quick combination on the left opened up Shimizu’s defence and Sotiriou applied the finish.
• 58' — Sotiriou scores again: The striker reacted fastest to a saved shot and powered home from close range.
• 76' — Douglas Vieira makes it four: A precise cross from the right found the forward, who headed beyond the goalkeeper.
• 82' — Shimizu's late chance: A rare break ended with a shot that was comfortably saved by the Hiroshima goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s 3-4-2-1 system worked perfectly against Shimizu’s 4-4-2. Hiroshima’s wing-backs stretched the opposition back line, while the two attacking midfielders found space between Shimizu’s midfield and defence. The home side’s high press also forced numerous errors, and their quick transitions turned defence into attack within seconds.

Shimizu S-Pulse tried to stay compact, but their midfield was overrun and their forwards were isolated. When Shimizu did win the ball, they struggled to keep possession long enough to relieve pressure. Hiroshima’s dominance in the final third was reflected in the scoreline, and the clean sheet was a reward for their disciplined defensive shape.

Standout players

Pieros Sotiriou was the obvious match-winner with two goals, but his link-up play was equally important. Mutsuki Kato set the tone with the opening goal and constantly troubled Shimizu’s back line. Douglas Vieira added a fourth and held the ball up well, while Hiroshima’s midfield controlled the tempo throughout. For Shimizu, the goalkeeper made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.

J1 League impact

The result strengthens Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s position in the J1 League standings and sends a clear message about their top-three ambitions. Their goal difference also receives a significant boost, which could matter in the race for AFC Champions League qualification. For Shimizu S-Pulse, the defeat is a setback in their battle to move clear of the relegation zone. They will need a far more resilient defensive performance in their next fixture.