J.League YBC Levain Cup: Last Four Teams Set After Dramatic Quarter-Final Clashes

The quarter-finals of the 2024 J.League YBC Levain Cup produced thrilling action, with dramatic finishes that saw penalties, stoppage-time goals, and impressive comebacks. Nagoya Grampus secured their place in the semi-finals after a tense penalty shootout victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The match ended 2-2 on aggregate, but Nagoya’s goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak stole the show with two crucial saves during the shootout and even converted a spot-kick, writing another memorable chapter in his storied J.League career.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki Frontale edged past Ventforet Kofu, with Daiya Tono emerging as the hero once again. After securing Kawasaki’s first-leg win, Tono struck in stoppage time to ensure his side progressed, denying Kofu’s hopes of being the last remaining J2 team in the competition. Over in Hokkaido, Consadole Sapporo delivered a spirited 3-1 victory against Yokohama F·Marinos, but their heavy 6-1 first-leg defeat proved too large a mountain to climb, and Marinos advanced with a 7-4 aggregate win.

FC Machida Zelvia also fought back valiantly, scoring two goals before halftime to breathe life into their tie against Albirex Niigata. However, despite their efforts, Albirex held their nerve in the second half to see out the result and continue their quest for a first major trophy. As a result of these thrilling encounters, Nagoya Grampus, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F·Marinos, and Albirex Niigata have all booked their places in the semi-finals, promising an exciting conclusion to the 2024 J.League YBC Levain Cup.