Match Report: NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza 2–1 Albirex Niigata Ladies

Women Empowerment League | 16 May 2026, 12:00 JST

Defending champions NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza maintained their strong start to the Women Empowerment League season by edging out Albirex Niigata Ladies 2–1 in a hard-fought contest at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka. The victory keeps Beleza in the upper echelons of the table, while Niigata showed characteristic resilience despite leaving empty-handed.

Match Overview

The game began at a frantic pace, with Beleza pressing high from the first whistle. Their fluid 4-3-3 formation caused immediate problems for Niigata's backline, but it was the visitors who had the first clear chance when striker Yuria Obara was denied by a sprawling save from goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

Beleza took the lead in the 22nd minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Winger Remina Chiba cut inside from the left flank, skipped past two defenders, and fired a low shot into the far corner. The goal settled the home side, who began to dominate possession.

Key Moments

• 22' – Goal: Remina Chiba (Tokyo Verdy Beleza) — clinical left-footed finish after a mazy run.
• 41' – Goal: Miyabi Matsubara (Albirex Niigata) — headed home from a corner to level just before halftime.
• 67' – Goal: Yuki Kato (Tokyo Verdy Beleza) — pounced on a loose ball in the box after a scramble.
• 89' – Red card: Niigata's Saki Enomoto was shown a second yellow for a late tackle.

Tactical Story

Albirex Niigata employed a compact 4-4-2 defensive block, aiming to hit Beleza on the counter. The plan worked well in the first half, with wide players Haruka Suzuki and Yuna Fujimoto stretching the play. However, after the break, Beleza coach Naoki Kusunose shifted to a more direct approach, using long balls to bypass Niigata's press. The decision paid off when Kato scored from a second-phase situation.

Standout Performers

Remina Chiba (Beleza) was a constant threat on the left and deservedly opened the scoring. Yuki Kato provided the winner and worked tirelessly off the ball. For Niigata, Miyabi Matsubara was a colossus in defense and scored the equalizer, while midfielder Honoka Kudo covered every blade of grass.

Table Impact

The three points move NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza up to third in the Women Empowerment League standings, level on points with second-placed Urawa Red Diamonds. Albirex Niigata remain in mid-table, now five points adrift of the top three. With the season still young, Niigata will need to tighten their discipline after Enomoto's dismissal.