Shimizu S-Pulse and V-Varen Nagasaki played out a tense 1-1 draw in their Emperor's Cup quarter-final at IAI Stadium Nihondaira on Wednesday evening, with the visitors eventually advancing 5-4 on penalties after extra time. The J2 side produced a disciplined and resilient performance to hold their J1 hosts, and goalkeeper Ryota Kojima emerged as the hero of the shootout by saving Shimizu's fourth spot-kick.

Match Overview

• Competition: Japanese Emperor's Cup – Quarter-final
• Date: 7 October 2026, 18:00 JST
• Venue: IAI Stadium Nihondaira, Shizuoka
• Attendance: 12,450
• Referee: Hiroki Kasahara
• Final score: Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 V-Varen Nagasaki (Nagasaki won 5-4 on penalties)

Key Moments

Shimizu S-Pulse began the match with the urgency expected of a top-flight club playing at home. Their early pressure told in the 34th minute when Koya Kitagawa latched onto a clever through ball from midfield, took a touch to steady himself, and fired a low shot into the far corner to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead. The stadium erupted, and for a while it looked as though the J1 side would take control of the tie.

However, V-Varen Nagasaki refused to buckle. The visitors, known for their compact defensive shape and quick counter-attacks, gradually grew into the game. Their equaliser arrived in the 78th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Marcos Guilherme, who cut inside from the left wing and curled a precise effort past the Shimizu goalkeeper into the top right corner. That goal sent the match into extra time, and neither side could find a winner in the additional 30 minutes.

Tactical Story

Shimizu S-Pulse lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to dominate possession and create chances through the middle. Their full-backs pushed high, and they repeatedly tried to feed Kitagawa in behind the Nagasaki defence. For long spells, that approach worked, but Nagasaki's back four held firm and limited clear-cut opportunities after the opening goal.

V-Varen Nagasaki set up in a disciplined 4-4-2, happy to concede possession and hit on the break. Their midfield duo worked tirelessly to screen the defence, and their wingers tracked back diligently to double up on Shimizu's advancing full-backs. As the game wore on, Nagasaki's counter-attacking threat grew, and their equaliser was a perfect example of their game plan: absorb pressure, then strike with speed and precision.

Standout Players

Ryota Kojima (V-Varen Nagasaki): The goalkeeper was outstanding throughout the 120 minutes, making several crucial saves to keep his side in the tie. His penalty shootout save from Shimizu's fourth attempt proved decisive.

Koya Kitagawa (Shimizu S-Pulse): The forward was Shimizu's most dangerous player, scoring the opening goal and constantly testing the Nagasaki defence with his movement and link-up play.

Marcos Guilherme (V-Varen Nagasaki): The Brazilian winger was a constant outlet on the counter and scored a stunning equaliser that will be remembered by Nagasaki supporters for a long time.

Penalty Shootout

With the score level after extra time, the tie went to spot-kicks. Both teams converted their first three penalties with confidence. Shimizu's fourth attempt was saved by Kojima, diving low to his left, and Nagasaki's subsequent takers held their nerve to seal a 5-4 victory. The away section erupted as the final penalty found the net, completing a memorable cup upset.

What It Means

For V-Varen Nagasaki, this result marks a significant achievement: a place in the Emperor's Cup semi-finals and a famous victory over J1 opposition. It boosts their confidence for the remainder of the J2 season and gives the club a realistic shot at silverware. For Shimizu S-Pulse, the defeat is a painful blow. They will now turn their full attention to the J1 League, where they remain focused on climbing the table and securing a strong finish. The Emperor's Cup has a habit of producing surprises, and this night in Shizuoka added another chapter to its rich history.