Montedio Yamagata vs Urawa Live Stream

Montedio Yamagata vs Urawa – Emperor Cup Showdown at ND Soft Stadium

The Emperor Cup returns to the iconic ND Soft Stadium in Madrid for a rare cross‑border clash. Montedio Yamagata are desperate to prove they belong on the big stage, while the Urawa Reds eye a swift passage to the later rounds. Both sides arrive with contrasting recent form, making Wednesday’s fixture a true test of ambition and depth.

Essential Match Info

• Competition: Emperor Cup – Round of 32
• Fixture: Montedio Yamagata vs Urawa Reds
• Venue: ND Soft Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Kick‑off: 12:00 CEST (UTC+2) / 06:00 EDT (Toronto)
• Expected attendance: ~32,000
• Travel & weather note: Both squads will face a short flight to Madrid. Early August in the capital brings hot, sunny conditions with afternoon temperatures around 30‑33 °C and a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms – a factor that could influence pacing and hydration strategies.

Form Guide & Context

Montedio Yamagata (J2) – 5‑match run: L 2‑1 (Oita), D 1‑1 (Ehime), W 3‑0 (Kyoto), L 2‑1 (JEF United), W 2‑1 (Tokyo Verdy). Currently 10th in the J2 table. The side has scored an average of 1.8 goals per match in these five games while conceding 1.6.

Urawa Reds (J1) – 5‑match run: W 2‑0 (Gamba Osaka), W 3‑1 (Yokohama FC), D 1‑1 (Kawasaki), W 4‑0 (Sanfrecce), L 2‑1 (Kashima Antlers). Sitting 4th in the J1 league, the Reds are in the Champions League qualification mix. Their attacking output has been prolific, averaging 2.6 goals per match while keeping the opposition to 0.8.

Tactical Preview

Expected Shapes & Pressing

Montedio are likely to line up in a 4‑3‑3, with a compact back‑four and a high‑press block aimed at forcing early turnovers in Urawa’s half. The Reds, under Coach Oswaldo, prefer a fluid 4‑3‑3 that shifts between a mid‑press and a deeper block depending on possession phases. Their pressing triggers will centre on the opponent’s centre‑backs receiving the ball with a forward pass.

Midfield Battles

The contest will hinge on the midfield trio of Kaito Sato (Yamagata) versus the experienced pairing of Tomoki Makino and Makoto Hasebe (Urawa). Yamagata will need to exploit the spaces between Makino’s box‑to‑box runs and Hasebe’s deeper‑lying play‑making to create chances for their front three.

Wide Areas & Overlaps

Yamagata’s right winger Takumi Nagasawa is expected to stay wide, using his pace to stretch the defence, while the full‑back Daiki Koyama provides overlapping runs. Urawa’s left flank, anchored by Yuki Soma, will combine quick inside‑cutting with overlapping full‑back Kohei Hoshino, creating overloads that could open the narrowest of gaps.

Transitions & Set Pieces

Urawa excel on the break, often transitioning within three seconds after winning possession. Their set‑piece routines, especially corners delivered by Anderson Lopes, have yielded three goals in the last six cup ties. Montedio must stay disciplined defensively and look to counter with rapid diagonal balls from midfield to the flanks.

Player Focus

Key absences/injuries: Montedio’s leading striker Shinya Kumazawa remains doubtful with an ankle strain, and goalkeeper Ryo Takahashi is a late fitness concern after a minor muscle tweak. Urawa will be without centre‑back Tomoki Iwata (suspension) and midfielder Junya Ito (muscle strain).

• Montedio Yamagata – Takumi Nagasawa (Right Wing): Known for his direct runs and accurate crossing, Nagasawa will be pivotal in supplying the lone striker.
• Montedio Yamagata – Kaito Sato (Central Midfield): The engine of the team, his ability to break lines with late runs into the box could unlock Urawa’s compact defence.
• Urawa Reds – Anderson Lopes (Centre‑Forward): A clinical finisher who averages 0.8 goals per game in the cup, his movement and aerial threat are vital.
• Urawa Reds – Makoto Hasebe (Defensive Midfield, Captain): The veteran’s positional sense and leadership will dictate the Reds’ tempo and defensive shape.

Head‑to‑Head Snapshot

The two clubs have met five times in the Emperor Cup, with Urawa leading the series 3‑1‑1. The average scoreline sits at 2‑1 in favour of the Reds, and most encounters have featured at least one goal before the 70th minute, underscoring the importance of early momentum.

Predicted Lineups

Montedio Yamagata (4‑3‑3)

• GK – Ryo Takahashi (fitness doubt)
• RB – Daiki Koyama
• CB – Hiroki Tanaka
• CB – Kenji Mori
• LB – Shohei Yamamoto
• CM – Kaito Sato
• CM – Yuto Fujii
• CM – Takumi Arai
• RW – Takumi Nagasawa
• ST – Shinya Kumazawa (late doubt)
• LW – Haruki Nakajima

Urawa Reds (4‑3‑3)

• GK – Shusaku Hasegawa
• RB – Kohei Hoshino
• CB – Shota Arai
• CB – Daichi Sato (replacing suspended Iwata)
• LB – Ryota Nakashima
• CM – Makoto Hasebe (c)
• CM – Tomoki Makino
• CM – Ryohei Yamashita
• RW – Yuki Soma
• ST – Anderson Lopes
• LW – Takumi Minamino

The selections reflect each manager’s preference for balanced attack and solid defensive coverage. Montedio keeps a traditional back‑four to absorb pressure, while Urawa’s back‑line incorporates a younger centre‑back to maintain pace against the Yamagata forwards.

What It Means

A win for Montedio Yamagata would not only boost morale ahead of the J2 campaign but also signal their capacity to challenge top‑flight opposition. For Urawa, progressing further keeps their Champions League qualification hopes alive and reinforces their reputation as a cup‑specialist side. Psychologically, the match offers Urawa a chance to cement their dominance, while Yamagata can use the upset narrative to fuel a spring surge.

Match Odds & Responsible Gaming

Current market consensus suggests a narrow edge to Urawa Reds, with odds reflecting a modest favourite status. Montedio Yamagata are priced as potential value picks for bettors seeking a cup upset. Remember to gamble responsibly – play within your limits.

Closing Outlook

Both teams enter the encounter with clear objectives: Urawa to assert their superiority and Montedio to prove they can compete on a bigger stage. Expect a fast‑paced, tactically disciplined match where the smallest mistake could decide the tie.

• Will Montedio’s high press force early turnovers?
• Can Anderson Lopes capitalize on Urawa’s set‑piece prowess?
• How will the late fitness doubts affect Yamagata’s attacking shape?
• Will Urawa’s midfield control dictate the tempo?