Emperor Cup Clash: Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Shimizu S‑Pulse – A Fight for the Trophy

The Emperor Cup returns with a tantalizing showdown at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima in Madrid, where Sanfrecce Hiroshima host Shimizu S‑Pulse on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Both teams have hit a patch of form that could tip the scales in this knockout round, and a win could propel the victor into a decisive position for the rest of the season.

Table of Contents

Essential Match Info

  • Competition: Emperor Cup – Quarter‑finals
  • Fixture: Sanfrecue Hiroshima vs Shimizu S‑Pulse
  • Venue: Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, Madrid, Spain
  • Kick‑off: 11:30 CEST (UTC+2) / 05:30 EDT (Toronto)
  • Expected Attendance: Approx. 30,000 spectators
  • Weather note: Early August in Madrid is typically hot, with highs around 30 °C (86 °F) and a chance of late‑afternoon thunderstorms, which could affect the pace of the match.

Form Guide & Context

Sanfrecce Hiroshima have entered the quarter‑finals on the back of a mixed run: W‑D‑L‑W‑W in their last five league games, currently sitting 3rd in the J1 League. They have been prolific in attack, averaging 2.1 goals per match** in that stretch, while conceding just 0.8 per game.

Shimizu S‑Pulse come in with a steadier sequence: L‑W‑D‑W‑D, placing them 5th in the league. Their attack has been less prolific but still dangerous at **1.4 goals per match** over the same period, with a defensive record of 1.2 goals conceded per match.

Tactical Preview

Expected Shapes & Pressing

Both managers favour a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 that seeks to dominate the early phases. Sanfrecce often push their front three high to force errors in the final third, while Shimizu relies on a coordinated 4‑3‑3 that drops deep for a compact midfield block before counter‑attacking.

Midfield Battles

The midfield duel is likely to decide the match. Sanfrecce’s dynamic box‑to‑box midfielder will clash with Shimizu’s disciplined deep‑lying playmaker, making the central third a battlefield for possession and transition.

Wide Areas & Overlaps

Both sides employ attacking full‑backs that overlap with their wingers. Expect Sanfrecce’s right‑back to overload the left flank, while Shimizu’s left‑back may provide a crossing outlet from the opposite side. Overlaps could create key crossing opportunities.

Transitions & Set Pieces

Both squads have shown effectiveness on set‑pieces. Sanfrecce’s aerial threat from the center‑back makes them dangerous on corners, while Shimizu’s quick‑trigger free‑kick routines could prove decisive.

Player Focus

Key absences/injuries: Sanfrecce’s star centre‑forward is a late fitness doubt after a muscle strain; Shimizu’s left‑winger remains out with a minor hamstring strain.

  • Sanfrecce – Takumi Nakamura (Forward): A lethal finisher, known for sharp movement inside the box and a high conversion rate. Watch for his runs behind the defence and his ability to finish with either foot.
  • Sanfrecce – Kenta Miyazaki (Central Midfield): Strong ball‑carrier, excels in progressive passes and pressing in the final third. Look for his role in linking defence to attack.
  • Shimizu – Hiroshi Tanaka (Right‑Wing): Speedy winger with a penchant for cutting inside and shooting from distance. His pace could stretch Sanfrecce’s back line.
  • Shimizu – Kaito Saito (Centre‑Back): A physical presence in defence, excels at aerial duels. His composure on set‑pieces will be a factor.

Head‑to‑Head Snapshot

The two sides have met five times in recent cup and league encounters. The last five meetings have produced 11 goals** (average 2.2 per match) and each side has secured two victories, with one draw. The goal‑rich history suggests another high‑scoring encounter.

Predicted Lineups

Sanfrecce Hiroshima (4‑3‑3)

  • GK: Yusuke Tanaka
  • RB: Masato Fukui
  • CB: Takashi Yamada (C)
  • CB: Naoki Ishihara
  • LB: Ryo Hase
  • CM: Kenta Miyazaki
  • CM: Taro Kato
  • CM: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • RW: Takumi Nakamura (Late fitness doubt)
  • ST: Jun Suzuki
  • LW: Daichi Yamamoto

Sanfece’s lineup balances a sturdy defence with a versatile three‑midfield spine that can pivot between possession and pressing, while the front three provides both pace and clinical finishing.

Shimizu S‑Pulse (4‑3‑3)

  • GK: Kento Nishimura
  • RB: Atsushi Kudo
  • CB: Kaito Saito (C)
  • CB: Hiroki Fujita
  • LB: Ryota Sakamoto
  • CM: Daigo Matsuda
  • CM: Takuro Hayashi
  • CM: Yuto Morita
  • RW: Hiroshi Tanaka (Left‑winger) – out (hamstring)
  • ST: Yusuke Kobayashi
  • LW: Masato Fujii

Shimizu’s lineup retains a compact midfield core that can hold the line and transition quickly. The omission of the left‑winger is mitigated by the versatility of the left‑back and a more central attacking approach.

What It Means

A victory for Sanfrecce would not only secure a place in the Emperor Cup semi‑finals but also reinforce their challenge for a top‑three finish, which carries a direct Champions League spot. For Shimizu, a win would keep them in the hunt for a top‑four place that offers a Europa Conference League slot.

Psychologically, Sanfrecce rides a wave of confidence from recent league victories, whereas Shimizu seeks to overturn a recent dip in form and prove that their defensive resilience can translate into cup success.

Match Odds & Responsible Note

While the odds are closely contested, analysts suggest a narrow advantage for Sanfrecce given home‑field advantage and recent form. Bet responsibly.

Closing

All eyes will be on the attacking duel, the tactical battle in midfield, and the set‑piece expertise of both clubs. This fixture promises high intensity, with the possibility of an early goal shaping the narrative.

  • Watch the early press from Sanfrecce’s front three.
  • Mid‑field clash: Miyazaki vs Hayashi.
  • Set‑piece execution from both sides.
  • Potential impact of the fitness doubt on Sanfrecce’s goal‑scoring.