League-position context
Sanfrecce Hiroshima rank4th
Albirex Niigata rank13th
Sanfrecce Hiroshima points29
Albirex Niigata points18
Sanfrecce Hiroshima: #4 ยท 29 pts ยท GD +14
9 pts off the top 2. 6 pts above the play-off edge. 12 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Albirex Niigata: #13 ยท 18 pts ยท GD -6
20 pts off the top 2. 5 pts off the play-off line. 1 pts clear of the relegation zone.
11-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.