J1 League: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Stuns FC Machida Zelvia, Climbs to Fifth Place

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo produced a stunning performance to defeat FC Machida Zelvia 3-1 in the J1 League on Saturday, moving up to fifth place in the standings.

The victory was Sapporo's third in their last four league games and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

Machida took the lead in the 20th minute through Takuya Nozawa, but Sapporo responded quickly with an equalizer from Ryota Aoki just five minutes later.

The visitors went ahead in the 35th minute when Chanathip Songkrasin converted a penalty, and they secured the win in the 65th minute through Takuro Kaneko's goal.

The result leaves Sapporo in fifth place with 27 points from 18 games, while Machida remains in 16th place with 15 points.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo's Rise in Form

Sapporo's recent form has been impressive, with the team winning three of their last four league games.

The team has also strengthened its defense, keeping clean sheets in their last two matches.

Manager Mihail Petrovic will be hoping that his team can continue their good form and challenge for a top-half finish in the J1 League.

FC Machida Zelvia's Struggles Continue

Machida's defeat to Sapporo extended their winless run to five matches in the J1 League.

The team has struggled for consistency this season and is currently in 16th place in the standings.

Manager Daisuke Nakama will need to find a way to improve his team's form if they want to avoid relegation to the J2 League.

Key Match Statistics

• Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo had 55% of the possession.
• FC Machida Zelvia had 11 shots on goal to Sapporo's 8.
• Sapporo had a higher passing accuracy of 82% compared to Machida's 76%.
• Chanathip Songkrasin was named man of the match for his performance.

Conclusion

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo's victory over FC Machida Zelvia was a significant result for both teams.

Sapporo moved up to fifth place in the standings and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

Machida, on the other hand, remained in 16th place and will need to improve their form to avoid relegation.