FC Ryukyu Okinawa 5–4 Urawa Red Diamonds
International Club Friendly | 17 July 2026, 16:00

FC Ryukyu Okinawa and Urawa Red Diamonds produced a nine‑goal thriller in Okinawa, with the J3 League side pulling off a stunning 5‑4 victory over the J1 League giants. The match was a pre‑season spectacle that featured end‑to‑end action, defensive lapses, and a hat‑trick from Ryukyu’s veteran striker.

First‑Half Fireworks

Urawa Red Diamonds started strongly and took the lead in the 8th minute through a close‑range finish from their Brazilian forward Thyago. But Ryukyu responded immediately: in the 12th minute, Yuya Yamagishi equalised with a powerful drive from the edge of the box. The home side then stunned their visitors by scoring two quick goals in the 27th and 33rd minutes, the first a tap‑in after a defensive error and the second a solo run from Yamagishi to complete his brace.

Urawa pulled one back before half‑time through a penalty converted by Shinzo Koroki, making the score 3‑2 at the break.

Second‑Half Chaos

The goals continued to flow after the restart. Ryukyu restored their two‑goal cushion in the 54th minute when Yamagishi completed his hat‑trick with a composed finish from a through ball. Urawa then mounted a fightback: goals in the 67th and 78th minutes, both from set pieces, levelled the game at 4‑4 and seemed to swing momentum in favour of the visitors.

However, FC Ryukyu Okinawa had the final say. In the 86th minute, a long ball over the top caught out the Urawa defence, and substitute Takuma Arano slotted home to make it 5‑4. Urawa pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time but could not find a way through a resolute Ryukyu backline.

Key Takeaways

• Yuya Yamagishi – The Ryukyu captain scored a hat‑trick and was the standout performer.
• Defensive concerns – Urawa’s high defensive line was repeatedly exposed, a worry for their J1 League campaign.
• Pre‑season surprise – The result highlights the unpredictability of friendlies, especially against lower‑tier sides playing with freedom.

For FC Ryukyu Okinawa, the victory will be a huge morale boost as they prepare for the upcoming J3 season. Urawa Red Diamonds will have plenty to work on in training, particularly their defensive organisation.