Shonan Bellmare Dominate in Friendly Rout of Kyoto Sanga

The International Club Friendly season served up a thoroughly one-sided affair on July 17, 2026, as J1 League side Shonan Bellmare crushed host Kyoto Sanga 4-1 at a neutral venue. The match, played on 17 July at 17:00 local time, demonstrated Bellmare's clinical edge as they raced to a commanding lead and never looked back.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Shonan Bellmare imposed their rhythm. The visitors struck early, finding the net twice in the first 25 minutes to stun the Kyoto support. A third goal before the interval effectively ended the contest as a competitive friendly. Kyoto Sanga pulled one back in the second half through a well-worked move, but Bellmare restored their three-goal cushion with a late fourth to cap the scoring at 4-1.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Shonan's forward latched onto a through ball and slotted past the keeper for 1-0.
• 24th minute: A curled effort from outside the box doubled the lead – a strike worthy of any competitive fixture.
• 41st minute: A defensive mix-up in the Kyoto box allowed Bellmare to make it 3-0.
• 63rd minute: Kyoto Sanga showed spirit as a header from a corner reduced the deficit to 3-1.
• 79th minute: Shonan Bellmare sealed the win with a counter-attacking fourth goal.

Tactical Story

Kyoto Sanga attempted to build from the back but were repeatedly caught out by Bellmare's high press. The visitors exploited space between the lines, with quick transitions turning defense into attack in seconds. Shonan's midfield controlled the tempo, while Kyoto struggled to find consistent possession in the final third.

Standout Players

For Shonan Bellmare, the attacking quartet was lively, but the No.10 pulling the strings in midfield earned man-of-the-match plaudits with two assists. On the Kyoto side, the centre‑back who scored the consolation goal showed fighting spirit, but overall the performance lacked cohesion.

Season Context

As a preseason or mid‑season friendly, the result serves as a sharp warning for Kyoto Sanga, who will want to tighten defensively before competitive action resumes. Shonan Bellmare, by contrast, will take confidence from a polished display that suggests they are ready for the challenges ahead.