Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies produced a breathtaking attacking performance to defeat NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza 4-2 in a pulsating Nadeshiko League Cup clash on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Played at Urawa Komaba Stadium, the match served up six goals, a host of near-misses, and a dramatic late seal as the Reds advanced in style.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, Urawa set the tone with high pressing and rapid transitions. They raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 35 minutes, only for Verdy to pull one back on the stroke of half-time. The second half was a rollercoaster: Urawa restored their two-goal cushion, Verdy converted a penalty to set up a tense finale, and a late substitute sealed the win with a composed finish. The victory sends Urawa through to the next round of the Nadeshiko League Cup, while Verdy exit after a valiant but ultimately fruitless fightback.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Urawa take the lead: The Reds’ No. 9 pounced on a loose ball inside the box and slotted it past the goalkeeper with the outside of her boot.
• 34th minute – Urawa double the advantage: A sweeping move down the right ended with the No. 10 curling a shot into the top corner from 18 yards.
• 45+1st minute – Verdy halve the deficit: A pinpoint cross from the left was met by a towering header from Verdy’s No. 11, giving the visitors a lifeline before the break.
• 58th minute – Urawa restore control: The No. 9 grabbed her second of the game, reacting quickest to a rebound and smashing it home from close range.
• 72nd minute – Verdy pull one back: A penalty was awarded for a clumsy challenge, and Verdy’s No. 8 sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-2.
• 88th minute – Urawa seal it: Substitute No. 19 latched onto a through-ball, rounded the keeper, and rolled the ball into an empty net to spark wild celebrations.

Tactical Story

Urawa’s game plan was built on suffocating pressure and quick ball recovery in the final third. Their midfield three constantly closed down Verdy’s deep-lying playmaker, forcing turnovers that led directly to several scoring chances. Verdy, to their credit, adjusted after half-time by switching to a back three and pushing their wing-backs higher, which gave them a foothold in the game and led to their penalty. However, Urawa’s superior fitness and bench depth told in the final 20 minutes, with the introduction of fresh legs stretching a tiring Verdy defence and creating the decisive fourth goal.

Standout Performers

Urawa’s No. 9 was the star of the show, scoring twice and constantly harassing the Verdy backline with her movement. The Reds’ No. 10 dictated the tempo and delivered a stunning goal, while the captain anchored the midfield with composure and intelligence. For Verdy, their No. 11 was a constant aerial threat and took her goal superbly, and the goalkeeper made several fine saves to keep the score respectable. The penalty from Verdy’s No. 8 briefly raised hopes of a comeback, but it was not to be.

What It Means

The win propels Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies into the next stage of the Nadeshiko League Cup, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most exciting attacking sides in the competition. NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza will be disappointed to exit, but their second-half fightback showed character that they can carry into league fixtures. Urawa will now await their next cup opponents, while Verdy must quickly refocus on domestic duties.

Final Thoughts

This was a Nadeshiko League Cup tie that had everything: early goals, a spirited comeback, a penalty, and a late clincher. Urawa’s 4-2 victory was built on ruthless finishing and tactical flexibility, and it underlined their credentials as genuine contenders. For Verdy, the scoreline may sting, but the performance offered plenty of positives to build on.