Japanese J1 League 2021 Reviews

Japanese J1 League 2021 Reviews

The J1 League, the highest category of Japanese football, is in its hottest stage. Most of the teams have already played 27 of the 38 matches scheduled in the calendar. This tournament started last February and will finish in December 2021. There are 11 games left for each team to define the league champion, which teams will qualify for the Asian Champions League, and the battle for permanence.

Kawasaki F. vs. Yokohama M.: The fight For The J1 League title

There is no doubt that the competition for the 2021 season came down to Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F. Marinos. Kanagawa's rivals are vying for supremacy. The champion, Kawasaki Frontale, is showing formidable power. After 27 games, he posted an astonishing record of 20 wins, 6 draws, and just 1 loss, scoring 66 points. So far, the Toru Oniki squad did not show weak points, and this squad is aiming to win the title for the second time in a row. However, it is not difficult to imagine that the remaining 11 days will be tougher. There is no doubt that all teams will want to beat the reigning champion. Still, the Kawasaki Frontale is in an overwhelmingly superior position. Yokohama F.M., with new coach Kevin Muscat, is chasing Kawasaki. After 27 games, the result of 19 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses is a rate with which any team can aspire to be champion. However, the extraordinary performance of the Kawasaki F. has relegated the Yokohama to be its pursuer. The fight for the championship in the final phase of the season will be interesting between these two powerful teams.

The Fight For The Last Ticket To The AFC Champions League In The J1 League

The current season of the J1 League also brings us a great battle for the third place of the standing that gives access to the AFC Champions League. Currently, between Vissel Kobe, which occupies third place, and F.C. Tokyo, which is in eighth place, there are only 5 points of difference. That is to say. Five teams fight for the latter place in the AFC Champions League. Among them, Sagan Tosu has made great strides since the start of the campaign, generating special attention. The aggressive football that this team develops under coach Kin Min-hee is striking.

The Fight For Survival In The J1 League

In the lower part of the standings, there is another battle. But, this is a battle for survival. Four teams will descend this season! Due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, no team was relegated. So, this season 20 teams played, including two promoted last year. To return to the 18-competitor format, we will see four teams going down to the J2 League this time. In the relegation, positions are Tokushima V. (23 points), Vegalta Sendai (19 points), Yokohama F.C. (18 points), and Oita Trinita (17 points). In the absence of 11 dates, there is only 6 points difference between Tokushima V. and Oita Trinita. This tells us how close the fight is and that anything could happen.

Any of these teams that start a positive streak could save the category. Above them, although not far behind, are the Shonan Bellmare and the Shimizu S-Pulse, both with 26 points. These two clubs cannot lower their guard as they could fall into the relegation zone. To avoid this, they must improve their attack. This is the J1 League season, where unexpected events happen every year. We will see how each of these interesting fights unfolds in the 2021 season. They make this league one of the most interesting in all of Asia.