The 32nd edition of the J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP 2024 was held under a new competition format with all J.LEAGUE clubs taking part. The first round featured a number of matches between rivals of different categories, and there was an unprecedented influx of vibrant energy in each region, with fans and supporters of J1 clubs visiting the home stadiums of J3 clubs.
Eight clubs from J1, V-Varen Nagasaki from J2, and Kataller Toyama from J3 reached the play-off round. Nagasaki and Toyama made it through to the play-offs after overcoming several clubs from higher categories. Nagasaki defeated Júbilo Iwata and Urawa Reds, while Toyama defeated Montedio Yamagata, Shimizu S-Pulse, and Vissel Kobe.
62,517 spectators packed the final.
Nagasaki and Toyama defeated J1 clubs to advance to the play-off round.
The final was a fixture between Nagoya Grampus and Albirex Niigata. A total of 62,517 spectators, the largest attendance in the Levain Cup, packed Japan National Stadium for the game, which ended with Nagoya winning (for the second time in three years) in a fierce battle that went to penalty kicks.
Nagoya defeated Niigata on penalty kicks.
Change of the competition format
Until last season, the J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP featured a total of 20 clubs—all J1 clubs and two J2 clubs (clubs that were in J1 LEAGUE the previous year)—but this season the format was changed to include all 60 J1, J2, and J3 clubs. The competition was split into three rounds—first round, play-off round and prime round—with the three clubs participating in the AFC Champions League 2023/24 knockout stage (Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F･Marinos and Ventforet Kofu) introduced to the tournament in the prime round.
The first round, in which 57 clubs competed, featured 38 matches between clubs from different categories, with lower category clubs hosting higher category clubs at home.
Ten clubs took part in the play-off round and eight in the prime round, playing each other on a home and away basis (with the exception of the final).
Effects of the change in the competition format
The fixtures between clubs of different categories, which were unprecedented in previous editions of the Levain Cup, brought a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to the competition. In particular, matches involving J3 clubs against teams from higher categories saw the stadiums packed to the rafters with fans and supporters, with Vanraure Hachinohe recording the highest attendance in the club’s history and Gainare Tottori and FC Imabari recording the highest attendance of the season.
Club's all-time highest attendance record
Vanraure Hachinohe vs. Kashima Antlers in the second game of the first round recorded the largest attendance in Hachinohe’s history, with 4,844 spectators turning out for the game.
the highest attendance this season
Gainare Tottori vs. Urawa Reds in the second game of the first round drew 7,677 spectators, Tottori’s highest attendance this season.
Events
The J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP 2024 also featured a variety of events that were organised in collaboration with the special sponsor, Yamazaki Biscuits Co., Ltd.
Soccer Park
An entertainment activity in which spectators could participate free of charge at each of the prime round matches. It featured a Shooting Challenge and Dribbling Challenge, and participants were rewarded with sweets from Yamazaki Biscuit Co., Ltd. In the final match, a Through Pass Game was held with the participation of around 2,000 spectators.
Kids Battles
Before the final at the Japan National Stadium, a dribbling relay and shooting game showdown took place on the pitch as part of the Kids Eleven events.
Eleven children were drawn from the participants in the Kids Eleven events held at the stadiums of each of the two clubs that reached the final. The selected 22 children (11 per club) took part in the Levain Cup Final Kids Eleven on the day of the final.
A total of 14,000 children participated in the “Levain Cup Kids Eleven—Let’s Aim for the Final Together with the Club!” events held at all 69 matches from the first round to the semi-finals in the prime round.
Excite with Levain!
Event for spectators of the final who brought their own Yamazaki Biscuit products and promoted them on the Levain CAM (the in-stadium cameras). Winners selected by lottery received special prizes, including player-autographed merchandise and other valuable items.
Stadium Gourmet Cuisine
A total of 13 special stadium gourmet menus, created in partnership with Yamazaki Biscuits and available exclusively at the final, were sold in 19 shops.
