Ventforet Kofu produced a memorable Emperor's Cup upset at the Sapporo Dome on August 26, 2026, recovering from an early deficit to beat J1 side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 3-1 and book their place in the next round.

Match Overview

Playing under the closed roof in Sapporo, the home side started brightly and looked to impose themselves on a Kofu team that has often saved its best for cup competition. But the visitors showed remarkable composure, responding to going behind with a ruthless display of counter-attacking football that left the Sapporo defense chasing shadows for much of the evening.

The result sends Ventforet Kofu into the later stages of Japan's oldest knockout tournament, while Consadole Sapporo are left to rue another early cup exit in front of their home supporters.

Key Moments

• Early strike for Sapporo: The home side took a deserved lead in the 12th minute when a swift move down the right flank ended with a composed finish from their captain, silencing the away section.
• Kofu's equalizer: The response came just before the half-hour mark, with a well-worked set piece nodded in from close range to restore parity.
• Second-half turnaround: Kofu struck twice within ten minutes after the interval, first with a curling effort from the edge of the box and then a clinical breakaway goal that sealed the tie.

Tactical Story

Sapporo controlled possession in the first half, but Kofu's pressing game grew more aggressive as the match wore on. By the final half hour, the away side were winning the midfield battles and exploiting space behind Sapporo's high defensive line. The tactical shift was decisive, with Kofu's wide players constantly stretching a backline that never found a solution for the movement of the visitors' front two.

Standout Performers

Kofu's number 10 was the difference, contributing a goal and an assist while pulling the strings in the final third. The away goalkeeper also made two crucial saves early in the second half, keeping the score level at a time when Sapporo were pushing for a second. For the home side, the central striker was a bright spark but received little support as the match slipped away.

Season Impact

For Ventforet Kofu, this victory adds another memorable chapter to a history of giant-killing in the Emperor's Cup. They now move forward with confidence, knowing that a place in the latter rounds is within reach. Sapporo, meanwhile, will shift their full focus back to league survival, with cup disappointment now behind them.