Albirex Niigata defeats Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 2-1

Albirex Niigata secured their first victory of the 2026/27 J2 League season with a 2-1 win against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on August 15, 2026. The match took place at Denka Big Swan Stadium before a crowd of approximately 29,000 spectators.

Albirex Niigata opened the scoring when Hitoshi Okumura converted a penalty following a foul in the penalty area. Although Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo equalized in the 36th minute through a goal by Gomes, Niigata regained the lead shortly after the second half began. Shimabuku scored a volley to make it 2-1, which held until the final whistle.

The match featured various tactical shifts, with Niigata alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations. Supporters at the stadium participated in a large-scale visual display known as a ‘Planetswan’.