Albirex Niigata vs Montedio Yamagata

Albirex Niigata's momentum was at its peak after Shirai's 90th-minute equaliser. Denka Big Swan Stadium was energised by a comeback that had seemed impossible 25 minutes earlier. Yet Montedio Yamagata showed composure under pressure, launching one final attack that caught Niigata pushing forward in search of a winner. The away side's stoppage-time goal flipped the narrative from heroic comeback to heartbreak for the hosts.

Eiji Shirai (Albirex Niigata) — Scored the crucial 90th-minute equaliser that completed the comeback from 0-3 to 3-3. His late run into the box epitomised Niigata's refusal to fold.

Kuwayama (Albirex Niigata) — Started the revival with a well-taken finish in the 65th minute, giving his side a foothold they built upon.

Terayama (Montedio Yamagata) — Set the tone with a 5th-minute opener and was a constant threat down the flanks throughout the first half.

Player of the Match: Eiji Shirai — his 90th-minute equaliser was the standout moment of a seven-goal classic, even if Yamagata ultimately won it.

The 4-0 halftime lead line (0-2 at HT, 0-3 by 49') suggests a one-sided contest, but the second half told a different story. Montedio Yamagata converted three of their first-half chances with ruthless efficiency, while Albirex Niigata worked their way into the game after the break. The 3-0 to 3-3 swing in 25 minutes shows Niigata's resilience and Yamagata's vulnerability once the intensity dropped. The final stoppage-time winner, however, rewarded Yamagata for maintaining belief through the hosts' purple patch.

As a pre-season friendly, the result carries no competitive weight, but the patterns are revealing. Montedio Yamagata will be encouraged by their first-half attacking quality and their ability to regroup after nearly blowing a three-goal lead. Albirex Niigata's second-half fightback demonstrates spirit and fitness, but defensive lapses — conceding twice inside the opening 50 minutes and a stoppage-time winner — will concern their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming J.League season. Both sides will look to build on this high-intensity workout as their pre-season campaigns continue.

A pre-season friendly that delivered entertainment far beyond its billing. Montedio Yamagata's first-half control was almost undone by a rousing Albirex Niigata comeback, but the visitors' resilience in stoppage time earned them a deserved win. Both teams will take positives — and clear defensive lessons — from this seven-goal thriller.