Yokohama F. Marinos vs Kashiwa Reysol Prediction & Betting Tips (3 September)

Yokohama F. Marinos will host Kashiwa Reysol in the first leg of the YBC Levain Cup quarter-finals on September 3, 2025, at Nissan Stadium. The Marinos, currently languishing at the bottom of the J1 League table, are desperate to salvage their season through cup success. Their recent managerial carousel has seen Hideo Oshima take the reins after Patrick Kisnorbo’s resignation in June, marking the club’s fourth coaching change in less than a year. Despite the instability, attacking midfielder Daiya Tono and winger Yan Matheus have shown flashes of brilliance, with Tono leading the team in goals and Yan providing crucial assists. The team’s recent 1-3 loss to Liverpool in a friendly exposed defensive frailties, but also hinted at untapped attacking potential.

Kashiwa Reysol, on the other hand, arrive in Yokohama riding a wave of momentum. They sit atop the J1 League standings and have won four of their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Shonan Bellmare and a gritty 1-0 win against FC Tokyo. Under the steady guidance of Ricardo Rodríguez, Reysol have developed a balanced squad with standout performances from midfielder Tojiro Kubo and forward Yoshio Koizumi. Their tactical discipline and high possession stats—averaging over 60%—make them a formidable opponent. However, their recent 2-3 loss to Kashima Antlers revealed vulnerabilities when pressed aggressively.

The head-to-head history between these two sides has tilted in Reysol’s favor this season, with a 2-0 win over Yokohama in May. Yet, cup matches often defy league form, and the Marinos will be banking on home advantage and a renewed sense of urgency under Oshima. Riku Yamane, who narrowly missed a long-range strike in their last encounter, could be pivotal in midfield transitions. With the Levain Cup offering a clean slate, expect Yokohama to press early and exploit Reysol’s occasional lapses in defensive concentration.

Prediction: Yokohama F. Marinos 2, Kashiwa Reysol 1. While Reysol have the edge on paper, the Marinos’ hunger for redemption and the unpredictability of knockout football suggest a narrow home win. Expect a late winner, possibly from a set-piece, as Yokohama claw back pride and momentum. The return leg will be a different beast, but for now, the Marinos might just script a surprise.