Yokohama F. Marinos edged Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-3 in a pulsating YBC Levain Cup final on 28 October 2026, winning a seven-goal classic that swung repeatedly before the decisive moment arrived late in the contest.

Seven-goal thriller

The match lived up to the occasion from the opening stages, with both teams committed to attacking football and unwilling to sit back. Yokohama F. Marinos started brighter, pressing high and forcing Sanfrecce Hiroshima into hurried clearances, while Hiroshima gradually found their footing through quick combinations in midfield.

By the time the game reached its closing stages, the scoreline had already produced four goals, and the final twenty minutes turned into an end-to-end contest. Marinos found the winning goal in the dying moments, sealing a memorable cup triumph in front of a lively crowd.

Match overview

Yokohama F. Marinos looked the more dangerous side in the first half, using their wide players to stretch the Hiroshima back line and creating chances through cut-backs and set pieces. Sanfrecce Hiroshima responded with characteristic patience, working the ball into pockets between the lines and testing the Marinos goalkeeper from distance.

The second half was far more open. Hiroshima’s equalising spells gave the final a tense, unpredictable feel, and both managers made attacking substitutions as the match wore on. In the end, Marinos’ greater cutting edge in the final third proved the difference.

Key moments

• Early Marinos lead: Yokohama opened the scoring after a sustained spell of pressure, finishing from inside the area after a low delivery from the left.
• Hiroshima response: Sanfrecce hit back with a well-worked move through the middle, briefly silencing the Marinos support.
• Second-half surge: Marinos restored their advantage with a powerful run and finish, only for Hiroshima to equalise again from a set piece.
• Late winner: With the final heading towards extra time, Marinos produced the decisive goal in the closing minutes, sparking wild celebrations.

Tactical story

Yokohama F. Marinos’ approach was built on quick transitions and aggressive pressing, especially in the wide areas. Their full-backs pushed high to create overloads, and the front line rotated constantly to disrupt Hiroshima’s man-marking scheme. The trade-off was vulnerability on the counter, which Sanfrecce exploited during their best spells.

Hiroshima were more measured in possession, looking to draw Marinos forward before playing through the lines. Their equalising periods came when they increased the tempo and attacked the space behind the Marinos full-backs. Ultimately, however, Marinos’ ability to generate high-quality chances in transition made the difference in a game that could have gone either way.

Standout players

Marinos’ attacking players were central to the win, with their movement and link-up play causing problems throughout. The midfielder who drove forward from deep also had a strong game, while the goalkeeper made two important saves in the second half. For Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the captain led by example in midfield, and their forward line caused real discomfort during the periods when Hiroshima were on top.

What it means

The victory gives Yokohama F. Marinos the YBC Levain Cup title and a significant morale boost for the remainder of their campaign. For Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the defeat will sting after such a spirited comeback, but their performance underlined why they remain one of the most dangerous cup sides in Japanese football. The final will be remembered as one of the competition’s most entertaining in recent seasons.