Kawasaki Frontale 3–1 Shimizu S-Pulse: Frontale power past S-Pulse in J1 League statement win

Kawasaki Frontale produced an impressive attacking display on 6 September 2026, defeating Shimizu S-Pulse 3–1 in a J1 League encounter at Todoroki Stadium. The victory highlighted Frontale's firepower in front of goal and gave the home supporters a thoroughly satisfying evening of football.

Match overview

Kawasaki Frontale started brightly, moving the ball quickly through midfield and pinning Shimizu deep inside their own half. The opening goal arrived as Frontale's relentless pressure eventually told, with a slick passing sequence ending in a composed finish. Shimizu S-Pulse responded well and found an equaliser just before half-time, setting up an intriguing second period.

After the restart, Kawasaki Frontale reasserted control almost immediately. A well-executed set piece restored the lead, and a third goal late in the game put the result beyond doubt. Shimizu pushed forward in search of a second goal but were unable to break down a determined Frontale back line.

Key moments

• Frontale's early dominance: The home side created several chances in the opening 20 minutes before finally breaching the Shimizu defence.
• Shimizu's reply: S-Pulse stunned Todoroki with a well-taken equaliser, exploiting a rare gap in the Frontale back line.
• Second-half surge: Kawasaki Frontale needed only a few minutes after the interval to regain the lead, shifting the momentum decisively.
• Late third goal: A counter-attack sealed a comprehensive 3–1 scoreline in the closing stages.

Tactical story

Kawasaki Frontale dominated possession and used their full-backs to create width, stretching Shimizu S-Pulse across the pitch. The midfield trio controlled the tempo and consistently found space between the lines. Shimizu tried to press high but were often bypassed by quick vertical passes, leaving their defence exposed to Frontale's pace in attack.

Standout performers

Frontale's attacking midfielders were at the heart of everything positive, while the wide players caused constant problems for the Shimizu full-backs. Defensively, Kawasaki were organised and disciplined after the equaliser, ensuring that Shimizu's chances remained limited in the second half.

Table and season impact

The victory provides an important boost to Kawasaki Frontale's J1 League campaign, reinforcing their status as one of the division's most dangerous attacking teams. Shimizu S-Pulse, meanwhile, will take some encouragement from their first-half performance but must improve their defensive organisation to compete consistently against the league's top sides.