Shimizu S-pulse 0-5 Machida Zelvia — how it happened, and what the numbers showed
Machida Zelvia beat Shimizu S-pulse 0-5 at IAI Stadium Nihondaira. How the goals came, what the statistics said and whether our pre-match prediction landed.
Machida Zelvia came through 0-5 at IAI Stadium Nihondaira on 21 October 2026, winning comfortably. It was a J1 League fixture, matchday 11, played in Shizuoka. Shimizu S-pulse went into it 10th in the table, Machida Zelvia 4th. Half time had it at 0-1.
How it unfolded
The opening 45 did most of the talking. Neta Lavi opened the scoring on 35 minutes. That left it 0-1 at the interval.
The decisive passages came after half time. Koki Ogawa doubled the Machida Zelvia lead on 50 minutes, set up by Takahiro Akimoto. Takuma Nishimura put a third on the board on 62 minutes, set up by Yuki Soma. Takuma Nishimura added a fourth on 77 minutes, set up by Gen Shoji. Takuma Nishimura added a fifth on 82 minutes. Machida Zelvia finished it 0-5.
How the game turned
Of the five goals, four came after the break. Machida Zelvia also kept a clean sheet, and won the game because of it.
Cards and flashpoints
Kai Matsuzaki was sent off on 63 minutes for Shimizu S-pulse, a straight red. The dismissal changed the shape of the contest more than any substitution did. Two yellow cards were also shown.
What the stats showed
Machida Zelvia had 67% of the ball to Shimizu S-pulse's 33%. Shimizu S-pulse had 6 attempts to Machida Zelvia's 25, with 2 and 12 respectively on target. Elsewhere, corners finished 4-5 and the goalkeepers made 7 and 2 saves.
Standout performers
Takuma Nishimura scored a hat-trick for Machida Zelvia. T. Nishimura finished with the highest rating on the pitch at 9.1 for Machida Zelvia. Koki Ogawa finished with a match-high nine attempts for Machida Zelvia. The Shimizu S-pulse goalkeeper was busy throughout, making 7 saves. Shimizu S-pulse set up in a 4-1-4-1, Machida Zelvia in a 3-4-2-1.
Did the model get it right?
Before kick-off our model made Shimizu S-pulse the pick, splitting the three results 69% Shimizu S-pulse, 25% the draw and 5% Machida Zelvia. The model got this wrong. Results like this are the reason the accuracy record is published in full rather than summarised. The goals line called over 2.5 goals; the game produced five, so that one was right. Both teams to score was called no and one of them failed to score — right again.
For the record
For the record: played at IAI Stadium Nihondaira in Shizuoka and refereed by Yuzo Sutani. Scorers: Machida Zelvia — Neta Lavi 35; Koki Ogawa 50; Takuma Nishimura 62, 77, 82. Half time 0-1, full time 0-5. Three cards shown, one of them red.
The takeaway
Machida Zelvia were the better side by a distance, and the scoreline does not flatter them. For Shimizu S-pulse, it is the kind of result that prompts questions rather than adjustments. Machida Zelvia went into the day 4th and did what sides in that position are expected to do against a team 10th.
The full statistics, line-ups and our running prediction record for this fixture sit alongside this report on the match page.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score in Shimizu S-pulse vs Machida Zelvia?
It finished Shimizu S-pulse 0-5 Machida Zelvia, so Machida Zelvia took the three points at IAI Stadium Nihondaira.
Who scored?
Neta Lavi on 35 minutes for Machida Zelvia, Koki Ogawa on 50 minutes for Machida Zelvia, Takuma Nishimura on 62 minutes for Machida Zelvia, Takuma Nishimura on 77 minutes for Machida Zelvia and Takuma Nishimura on 82 minutes for Machida Zelvia.
When and where was Shimizu S-pulse vs Machida Zelvia played?
21 October 2026 at IAI Stadium Nihondaira, Shizuoka.
Which side controlled the game?
Shimizu S-pulse had 33% possession to Machida Zelvia's 67%.
Did the pre-match prediction get it right?
Our model made Shimizu S-pulse the pick at 69%, and that was wrong. Every call is recorded in our published accuracy log.