The YBC Levain Cup final delivered a dramatic night of football at Japan National Stadium on October 14, 2026, as Yokohama F. Marinos edged Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1 to claim the trophy. A late strike from Élber proved the difference in a tense, end-to-end contest that saw the Marinos lift the Levain Cup for the third time in their history. For Shimizu S-Pulse, the wait for a first major cup title continues after a valiant performance fell just short in front of a raucous crowd of 54,112.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Yokohama F. Marinos imposed their trademark high-pressing, possession-based game, pinning Shimizu S-Pulse deep in their own half. The Marinos dominated the early exchanges, with Anderson Lopes and Yan Matheus combining dangerously on the flanks. The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Anderson Lopes latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Yan Matheus and slotted past Shuichi Gonda with composure. Shimizu, however, grew into the contest and found an equaliser just before the hour mark through Thiago Santana, whose sharp turn and low finish ignited the S-Pulse supporters. The game appeared headed for extra time until Élber unleashed a stunning 82nd-minute winner from the edge of the box, sealing a 2-1 victory and sparking wild celebrations among the Yokohama faithful.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Goal: Anderson Lopes opens the scoring for Yokohama F. Marinos, finishing clinically after a slick assist from Yan Matheus.
• 41’ – Big save: Shimizu goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda denies Élber from point-blank range to keep the deficit at one.
• 58’ – Goal: Thiago Santana equalises for Shimizu S-Pulse, turning neatly inside the box and firing low into the bottom corner.
• 72’ – Woodwork: Yokohama’s Katsuya Nagato rattles the crossbar with a ferocious free-kick.
• 82’ – Goal: Élber scores the winner for Yokohama, curling a magnificent effort beyond Gonda’s reach.
• 90+4’ – Final chance: Shimizu’s Carlinhos Jr. heads narrowly over from a late corner as the Marinos hold on.

Tactical Story

Yokohama F. Marinos set up in their familiar 4-2-1-3 formation, using inverted full-backs to overload the midfield and allow the front three to isolate Shimizu’s centre-backs. The strategy worked early, with Anderson Lopes and Élber constantly drifting between the lines. Shimizu S-Pulse, operating in a compact 4-4-2, struggled to contain the initial waves but gradually adjusted, dropping their defensive line deeper and using quick transitions through Thiago Santana and Lucas Braga to threaten on the counter. The equaliser came from exactly that pattern: a swift break that caught Yokohama’s full-backs high up the pitch. However, the Marinos’ superior bench depth told in the final 15 minutes. The introduction of fresh legs in midfield allowed them to regain control, and Élber’s moment of individual brilliance settled a tactical battle that had swung both ways.

Standout Players

• Élber (Yokohama F. Marinos): The match-winner was a constant menace, completing 6 dribbles and scoring the decisive goal with a moment of pure quality.
• Anderson Lopes (Yokohama F. Marinos): Opened the scoring and led the line with physicality, winning 8 aerial duels and linking play intelligently.
• Thiago Santana (Shimizu S-Pulse): Shimizu’s best outlet, his equaliser was expertly taken and he troubled the Yokohama defence all evening with his movement.
• Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse): Despite the defeat, the goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, including a stunning first-half stop from Élber.

Match Stats

Season Impact and What’s Next

This victory marks Yokohama F. Marinos’ third YBC Levain Cup triumph, adding to their previous successes in 2001 and 2018. The win also secures a coveted spot in the 2027–28 AFC Champions League Elite, a significant boost for the club’s ambitions on the continental stage. For Shimizu S-Pulse, the defeat is a painful but proud moment; they had eliminated several top J1 League sides on their run to the final and will look to use this experience to push for silverware in the domestic league. As the confetti fell on a cool Tokyo night, the Marinos celebrated a well-earned cup title, while Shimizu’s players were left to r