<h3 id="hd8a7e37b15">Conceding first in the 2nd minute, the team kept pressing and scored three goals, securing a comeback victory that showcased their style and marked the league restart with a win.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/dbedbde3b9374292a062fc4be0bb11a9/0813MR.jpg" alt=""> Cerezo Osaka hosted Albirex Niigata in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 25. Four days after the Emperor’s Cup Round of 16 match against FC Tokyo, manager Papas explained, “We considered the summer heat and fatigue, and also wanted to maintain intensity,” making six changes to the starting lineup. Koki Fukui started in goal, Dion Cools took the right-back position, and Rikito Inoue made his first appearance and first start since joining, partnering at centre-back. Up front, Shion Homma, facing his former club, made his first league start for Cerezo, while fellow former Niigata player Motohiko Nakajima led the line as the lone striker. Masaya Shibayama was deployed in the attacking midfield role, completing a refreshed lineup. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e6cd4c68feb247a186a8aa1c553a1b55/0813MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> In the 2nd minute, Niigata created a chance from a long ball down the flank and scored through Yuto Horigome on the follow-up after a cross. However, Cerezo launched a fierce counterattack from there. In the 10th minute, Nakajima fired a shot following a trick play from a corner kick, and in the 12th minute, Shibayama cut inside to shoot on target. After threatening Niigata’s goal in quick succession, Cerezo equalized in the 13th minute. After clearing a corner, Niigata tried to counterattack, but Homma quickly switched play, won back possession, and triggered a short counterattack. Receiving a pass from Lucas Fernandes, Nakajima controlled the ball, spun around, and fired a shot that Niigata goalkeeper Kazuki Fujita failed to catch, allowing the ball to go into the net. Having equalized early, Cerezo continued to press. In the 16th minute, a middle-distance shot from Hinata Kida deflected off a defender and flew dangerously toward goal, leading to a corner kick. Although Shibayama’s kick was saved by the goalkeeper, Hayato Okuda reacted quickly to the second ball and unleashed a left-footed shot from distance. The ball took a magnificent trajectory toward goal but struck the post, denying a turnaround. After the hydration break, in the 32nd minute, Homma—making his first J1 league start against his former club—cut inside from the left flank and shot, threatening the goal with his trademark move. Defensively, the team pressed well from the front and recovered many second balls. Despite conceding early, Cerezo hardly allowed Niigata any attacks for the rest of the first half, but toward the end, Niigata gained more possession. In the 39th minute, Kakeru Funaki—who played for Cerezo until last month—made a pinpoint switch of play, delivering a cross from the right side that created a chance inside. The final shot, however, missed the target, and Cerezo escaped danger. Though Cerezo dominated much of the first half, the score remained level at halftime. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8d5ef57052d541c489fc223d0e253218/0813MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/105214bec0b740f8b32c8e6a44e06a0d/0813MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> Continuing the momentum from the first half, Cerezo created the first clear chance of the second half as well. Repeatedly winning the ball high up the pitch, they launched sustained attacks, culminating in Shibayama firing a well-placed shot in front of goal. Although the goalkeeper made the save, Cerezo took the lead in the 54th minute. After Shinnosuke Hatanaka cleared a long ball from Niigata’s center-back, the ball was passed along to Okuda and Shunta Tanaka, who played a through ball behind the left side. Homma, making a run, delivered a cross that Lucas Fernandes met from the opposite side. This was Homma’s first assist since joining the club. After the match, he expressed relief: “This was a move we’ve practiced consistently. In this world, you have to produce results to survive. Although it was just an assist, I’m glad to have contributed something.” Three minutes later, Cerezo had another big chance. Breaking down the right side, Cools delivered a cross that Shibayama tried to finish, but the shot was blocked by a defender. In the middle of the second half, Niigata had some attacking spells, but Inoue showed strong cover, and Hatanaka blocked shots with his body, preventing an equalizer. Then, in the 81st minute, Cerezo sealed the win with a third goal. After a quick transition from defense to attack, they won the ball high up the field. Lucas carried the ball forward and played a short pass behind the left side. Although Thiago Andrade did not reach it, the Niigata defender who tried to clear the ball failed to do so, resulting in an own goal. While somewhat fortunate, the goal was a direct result of continuous pressure high up the pitch. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/679f533225094c7cb2d6c983814ea28c/0813MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/527b8b80484346feba162ec5a705c042/0813MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> In added time of the second half, Shinji Kagawa, who came on in the 84th minute, created two clear chances. Although they couldn’t convert, Cerezo continued to press relentlessly until the final whistle, taking 21 shots in a 3-1 comeback victory. “We were able to express the football we aim to play and have been building, and still come out on top,” manager Papas praised the players after the match. Cerezo extended their points tally to 37 with their first league win in three matches. Next up is an away game against FC Machida Zelvia, a team currently riding a six-game winning streak in the league and nine consecutive wins in all competitions. Kagawa commented, “This will be a true test, and I believe the team’s true nature will show in the results. We want to prepare thoroughly.” United as one, the team aims to seize this crucial victory to remain in the title race. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/7bee89f8123b435c9587853902141c59/0813MR%20(4).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 3-1 Albirex Niigata (J1 MD25)

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Ayumu Ohata has joined the club from OH Leuven (Belgium) on a permanent deal. The contract will be officially signed after the medical check-up. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"Hello, I’m Ayumu Ohata, joining from OH Leuven in Belgium. I’ll give everything I have to help the team win. Thank you for your support." <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth April 27, 2001 Position Defender Number 66 Height / Weight 168cm / 65kg Place of Birth Fukuoka Career Kokura Minami FC Sagan Tosu U-18 Sagan Tosu *Registered as a Class-2 player Sagan Tosu Urawa Reds OH Leuven (Belgium) Player Data (Domestic) J1: 107 games / 0 goal League Cup: 12 games / 0 goal Emperor's Cup: 7 games / 0 goal ACL: 12 games / 0 goal

Ayumu Ohata joins Cerezo Osaka from OH Leuven

<h3 id="h100d897bf4">The third match against FC Tokyo this season ended in a narrow 1-2 loss. Despite Kagawa’s golazo equalizer, the team just fell short and missed out on the Emperor’s Cup quarterfinals.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ee06ced51e2c4d258e6d907914dd908e/0808MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> Seventeen days after the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchweek 24 fixture against Shonan Bellmare, Cerezo Osaka faced FC Tokyo at Yodoko Sakura Stadium in the Round of 16 of the Emperor’s Cup. Two changes were made to the starting lineup from the Shonan match: Kim Jin Hyeon returned in goal, while Reiya Sakata started at right-back. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/2cbba938fdb34cab972ed7b2286f83a5/0808MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> From the outset, Cerezo enjoyed more possession, advancing into the opposition half with a smooth rhythm from the back. Among those who stood out individually was Sakata. In the 3rd minute, he broke down the right flank after receiving a pass from Shinji Kagawa, earning a corner kick. In the 12th minute, he again surged forward into the half-space after a pass from Hinata Kida. Then in the 16th minute, Cerezo pressed high as a team to win the ball, and Sakata drove deep down the right side. In the 23rd minute, they won possession high up the pitch again and launched a quick counterattack. Rafael Ratao latched onto a pass from Kagawa inside the penalty area and appeared to be tugged by FC Tokyo center-back Alexander Scholz, but the referee did not blow the whistle. The first half hydration break came with the score still 0-0. After the break, Cerezo continued to threaten. In the 32nd minute, Lucas Fernandes went for goal directly from a free kick, but was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu. On the defensive end, Shinnosuke Hatanaka and Ryuya Nishio kept close watch on FC Tokyo’s two strikers trying to get in behind, while fullbacks Hayato Okuda and Sakata remained solid, allowing no gaps. Toward the end of the first half, FC Tokyo began to enjoy more of the ball and pressed forward, but Kim Jin Hyeon made several well-judged plays to keep the goal intact. In stoppage time, Kagawa reacted to a loose ball in front of goal and had a chance, but his shot went over the crossbar. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e0f18f4c136c4819bb5ff68e93967422/0808MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/4a2ad0b8dfe4414f80a2d0942ab91382/0808MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Even at kickoff, with the pitch enveloped in stifling heat and humidity of 34°C, both teams shifted up a gear as the second half began. Cerezo created the first near-clear chance early in the half. In the 50th minute, after a high press win by Kida, Kagawa carried the ball forward and delivered a final pass to Ratao. However, the attack was thwarted by the returning defenders, and the shot could not be taken. Then, in the 55th minute, FC Tokyo took the lead. After building up play on their right side in their own half, Teruhito Nakagawa broke diagonally past the defense following a pass from Motoki Nagakura, entering a one-on-one with goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon. Although Kim managed to get a hand on the ball, it was ultimately sucked into the net. Cerezo quickly responded in the 60th minute to level the score. Maintaining possession and pushing down the right flank, Lucas received a pass from Kida and immediately played a direct pass inside. Kagawa, receiving the ball, cleverly faked a right-footed shot before switching to his left foot, losing his marker Scholz. He then finished with a superb shot that deceived the goalkeeper by placing it perfectly. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/57eeb60a96d64a1689a6038c16f0138c/0808MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8866d8080f81499ab8a86ce7cc98f9ba/0808MR.jpg" alt=""> From the middle to the late stages of the second half, both teams struggled against the challenging conditions, with many players suffering injuries or cramps. The substitutes injected fresh energy into the match. FC Tokyo’s Kota Tawaratsumida repeatedly launched attacks, while Cerezo Osaka’s Shion Homma pressed forward with his trademark dribbling. In the 79th minute, Cerezo had a big chance. After a quick combination between Lucas and Kagawa, Homma fired a close-range shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. Failing to capitalize on this opportunity, Cerezo soon found themselves behind again in the 80th minute. FC Tokyo launched a counterattack; Tawaratsumida carried the ball a long distance before switching play to the opposite side, and a cross from Kein Sato could not be cleared inside, allowing Nagakura to score. Chasing the game once more, Cerezo mounted a fierce comeback. In the 83rd minute, a set-piece chance fell to Hatanaka, but his header was cleared by the defenders. Shortly after conceding the second goal, Motohiko Nakajima was brought on in the 87th minute and combined well with Homma to create a scoring opportunity, but his shot was saved, and the equalizer was not forthcoming. In the closing stages, FC Tokyo skillfully managed the clock and secured the 2-1 victory. Manager Arthur Papas, visibly disappointed, said, “We needed to be more solid in defense, and also to decisively finish the game in attack. The difference showed at those critical moments.” The Emperor’s Cup campaign, aimed at a title, ended in frustration with this Round of 16 exit. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/01ddbfa60aaa45e99801ec7e9f6778c0/0808MR%20(5).jpg" alt="">

Review: FC Tokyo 2-1 Cerezo Osaka (Emperor's Cup Round of 16)

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Rikito Inoue has joined the club from Urawa Reds on a permanent deal. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"To everyone involved with Cerezo Osaka, my name is Rikito Inoue, and I have joined Cerezo Osaka. First of all, thank you for welcoming me to this team. I will cherish each day's efforts and do my best to contribute to the team. I sincerely ask for your guidance and support. From today, I will give everything I have for this team. I will work hard for the victories of Cerezo Osaka and to meet the expectations of all our supporters. Thank you very much for your continued support.” <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth March 9, 1997 Position Defender Number 31 Height / Weight 180cm / 77kg Place of Birth Shimane Career Saika JSC Kickers Saika JSC Kickers Tamayu SC RESTA FC Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School Gainare Tottori Fagiano Okayama Kyoto Sanga F.C. Urawa Reds Player Data (Total) J1: 74 games / 1 goal J2: 42 games / 0 goal J3: 120 games / 7 goals League Cup: 9 games / 0 goal Emperor's Cup: 10 games / 0 goal J1 Promotion Playoff: 1 game / 0 goal

Rikito Inoue joins Cerezo Osaka from Urawa Reds

<h3 id="hea0206f9ad">Despite strong performances from the Brazilian trio, Cerezo conceded goals at the end of both halves and came away with a draw, a result that brought both positives and regrets.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/33f9a1fc7ad540a081d1874a95dbc26e/0719HP.jpg" alt=""> Just two days after their Emperor’s Cup Round 3 match against Tokushima Vortis, Cerezo Osaka traveled away to face Shonan Bellmare in Matchweek 24 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. Five changes were made to the starting lineup from the Tokushima match. With the defensive line unchanged, Shunta Tanaka and Hinata Kida formed the central midfield pairing, Shinji Kagawa slotted in as the attacking midfielder, and Thiago Andrade, Lucas Fernandes, and Rafael Ratao led the front line in a 4-2-3-1 formation. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/683e2a1f66684d9db6c92c8057b85d2c/0720MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> Right after kickoff, Cerezo were nearly broken down on the flank by Shonan, but thanks to Dion Cools’ cover, they avoided conceding. Hinata Kida, making his first league start in two matches, showed positive intent with vertical passes and a long-range shot. In the 6th minute, Cerezo opened the scoring. A pass from Kagawa to Lucas was only partially cleared by a defender, and the loose ball was picked up by Ratao, who returned it to Lucas. He calmly slotted it home, scoring for the second straight match in all competitions. In the 12th minute, Tanaka ran onto a floated pass from Kida and had a chance, but his shot flew over the bar. While Cerezo continued to show quality in attack, they struggled to deal with Shonan’s flank play and conceded in the 14th minute. A cross from Cerezo’s left side was met by Kosuke Onose and then Akito Suzuki, leading to a goal from Shonan’s No. 10—who had also scored in the previous fixture between the two sides. In the 21st minute, Thiago Andrade carried the ball forward on the counter and found Lucas in space, but his cross was cut out by a defender. After the hydration break, Shonan took control of possession in the closing stages of the first half. Cerezo, unable to press effectively or find rhythm on either side of the ball, conceded again in the 42nd minute. A clearance by Shinnosuke Hatanaka was intercepted by Suzuki, who quickly delivered a cross that Taiyo Hiraoka converted at the near post. Cerezo went into the break having surrendered the lead. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8021b9e9d1674830bd17e3962d2b5446/0720MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/4f08612db23a4149be374195d4cdddec/0720MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> “We managed to take the lead, but after that, we became too reliant on individual efforts. Mistakes piled up, and we went into halftime trailing,” manager Arthur Papas reflected after the match. “However, in the second half, we showed a completely different face as a collective.” As his words suggested, Cerezo came out firing after the break with well-coordinated attacking moves. In the 47th minute, Shinji Kagawa picked up a loose ball in midfield and fed Thiago Andrade, who played a quick one-touch pass to Ratao up front. Ratao’s first shot was blocked by a defender, but he reacted quickly, flicked the ball over the opponent with a delicate touch, and volleyed it left-footed on the drop into the far corner—a stunning goal packed with technique and imagination. “It was a move I’m comfortable with,” Ratao later commented on his golazo, a strike that Kagawa described as “a goal that brought the team back to life.” With momentum swinging their way, Cerezo pushed on. In the 57th minute, Ratao latched onto a long ball from Hayato Okuda and attempted a chipped shot, which narrowly missed the target. The go-ahead goal came in the 73rd minute. Takumi Nakamura, who had come on for Dion Cools in the 70th minute, dribbled past his marker and passed to Kagawa. Kagawa then slid a perfect through ball into space, where Thiago used his blistering pace to beat the keeper and roll the ball into the net. “Thiago’s sprint was the key,” said Kagawa, praising his explosive run. It was a goal born from their mutual understanding and flawless execution. Cerezo continued to push for a fourth goal, making attacking substitutions while managing the game well. However, just as victory seemed within reach, in the 87th minute, substitute Sena Ishibashi broke through the right flank and drew a foul from Nakamura inside the penalty area. A penalty was awarded, and Luiz Phellype calmly converted it, bringing Shonan level at the death. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8b66497060f941b69f80b39e6fa57d65/0720MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/17f6ed1717404380800039b7ac0463de/0720MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Nevertheless, Cerezo launched a fierce attack during the 10 minutes of added time in the second half. However, Lucas’s shot, which glanced off a defender and seemed destined for the goal, was saved by an excellent stop from the opposing goalkeeper. Then, after the keeper parried Lucas’s cross, Tanaka’s follow-up chance went over the crossbar. The match ended 3-3. Cerezo, despite twice taking the lead, could not hold on and had to settle for a frustrating single point. Though there were lessons to be learned from the game, the manager praised the team’s resilience, saying, “I want to commend their aggression in bouncing back strongly despite being on the back foot.” He also acknowledged the players who fought hard in the away game just two days after their last match, expressing a desire to “keep showing signs of growth.” After the match, a banner honoring Hiroaki Okuno — who played six seasons with Cerezo from 2019 before transferring permanently to Shonan this March — was displayed. Okuno responded by interacting with the supporters. Known as the “Iron Man” for recording the longest distance run in this game as well, respect was once again paid to his years of dedication at Cerezo, and hopes were expressed for his continued success in the future. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d9188b6d18334af5a2d17c271010cf16/0720MR.jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/3d78743844ce47f5b3d2493fc6aec218/0717MR%20(7).jpg" alt="">

Review: Shonan Bellmare 3-3 Cerezo Osaka (J1 MD24)

<h3 id="hce41c1c5ea">Cerezo advance to the Round of 16 in the Emperor’s Cup with a clean-sheet win over Tokushima Vortis, scoring twice in the second half after a difficult first half.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6f7a77a4800d414a92509ab6ce1d592a/0717MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> Ten days after facing Gamba Osaka in the J1 Matchweek 23 fixture, Cerezo Osaka took on Tokushima Vortis in the Emperor’s Cup 3rd Round at Naruto Otsuka Sports Park Pocari Sweat Stadium. There were seven changes to the starting lineup from the Gamba match, with Shion Homma and Dion Cools making their first starts since joining the club. Hayato Okuda started at left-back, while Vitor Bueno led the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b33c6049ae014e658f0e8800fe77808f/0717MR.jpg" alt=""> Amid strong winds, Cerezo, playing with the wind advantage in the first half, created a big chance in the 7th minute. Pressing in coordination from the front by Masaya Shibayama, Hinata Kida, and Shion Homma forced a mistake from the opponent’s center-back, leading to a great opportunity for Vitor Bueno in front of goal. However, he opted to pass instead of shooting, and the chance was lost. Cerezo continued to control the ball and advance into the opponent’s territory, mainly through Kida in the holding midfield role. In the 10th minute, another chance arose when Dion Cools skillfully connected with Shibayama’s near-post corner kick, but it did not result in a goal. Although Cerezo started well, the game became more fragmented as players suffered knocks in physical duels. The attack struggled to find rhythm against Tokushima’s defense. The tempo of passing slowed, and the first half ended with only one shot on goal. “It was difficult to get into the game as a team and individually,” reflected Kyohei Yoshino after the match. Overall, the first half could be described as Tokushima’s pace. However, in the 39th minute, goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon made a crucial save to deny a good chance for Tokushima. Cerezo showed no defensive lapses and went into halftime with the score still 0-0. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/00abb4e125af484c85df61c46b56d79a/0717MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6b1928f8871d49e38d6946a5d62d9682/0717MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> After a first half in which they failed to build attacking shape, the team gathered in the locker room to organize their tasks for the second half. At halftime, we all communicated and agreed to ‘increase the tempo,’” said Kim Jin Hyeon. “At halftime, there was also talk that ‘the distances weren’t good.’ I made an effort to position myself more forward in the second half to help close those gaps,” added Yoshino. Determined to raise their attacking gear and score, they took the pitch and created a series of good chances right from the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Homma entered deep and crossed inside. Shibayama connected and came close to scoring. At the 56th minute came the first clear chance of the match. Launching heavy attacks from both flanks, the final action was Homma reacting to a loose ball with a right-footed volley directed toward goal but was unfortunately cleared by the opposing defender. One minute later, at 57 minutes, the second clear chance came. After a combination involving Kida, Yoshino, and Shibayama splitting the defense through the middle, Lucas made a well-timed run from the opposite side and connected with a right-footed outside shot off Homma’s cross from the left flank. However, the goalkeeper made a fine save to deny it. At the 60th minute, another chance occurred. Homma received a pass from Okuda behind the defense on the left side, dribbled, and took a shot, which was blocked by a defender. Okuda’s follow-up shot headed toward an empty goal but was cleared by a covering defender. However, on the fourth clear chance of the match, they finally scored. The opponent’s forward mishandled a trap, and Yoshino picked up the loose ball, dribbled forward, and delivered a precise final pass. Lucas broke free and won the one-on-one against the goalkeeper, finishing diagonally to beautifully shake the net. The attacking onslaught from the start of the second half was stunning and paid off with the opening goal. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/f5450c84876e4bba97d58414a42805f4/0717MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d4ae52c5d1034cdd80ca69d640cfd476/0717MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> From here, both teams gradually brought their key league players onto the pitch. In the 85th minute, Cerezo almost got caught behind, but Ryuya Nishio tracked back to cover. He skillfully handled the opponent’s speed and showed excellent defending by not allowing a good shooting opportunity. Then, in the 87th minute, the decisive second goal was scored. Shunta Tanaka’s pass fell between the opposing goalkeeper and center back, and Rafael Ratao applied intense pressure. He deflected the goalkeeper’s kick with his foot, stole the ball, and calmly rolled it into the unguarded net. In the final stages, Cerezo also firmly defended against Tokushima’s set pieces, maintaining the 2-0 lead to secure the victory. Despite struggling in the first half, they ended with multiple goals and a clean sheet, demonstrating their J1 caliber and advancing to the round of 16. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/3025a486a63f48529474af9f8a9c40d9/0717MR%20(2).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 2-0 Tokushima Vortis (Emperor's Cup 3rd Round)

Cerezo Osaka can confirm that Kakeru Funaki has joined Albirex Niigata on a permanent deal. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"I've decided to join Albirex Niigata. First of all, thank you so much for your passionate support over such a long time, including my days in the academy. Right now, I’m filled with a deep sense of frustration. From the day I set my sights on becoming a professional player at this club, I was able to fulfill my dream of turning pro at Cerezo. Since last year, I’ve also worn the number 14 shirt passed down from Maru-kun, and I hoped to grow into a player who could make that important number even more meaningful and become someone loved by the fans. I’m truly sorry that I’m leaving so soon. After receiving the offer from Niigata, I thought carefully about my current situation and my future career, and this is the decision I arrived at. From now on, I’ll be fighting in the J1 League as a Niigata player, but my love for Cerezo will never change. Thank you again for all your support over the years!" <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth April 13, 1998 Place of Birth Nara Height / Weight 177cm / 65kg Position Defender Career Cerezo Osaka School Nagai Branch Cerezo Osaka U-12 Cerezo Osaka U-15 Cerezo Osaka U-18 Cerezo Osaka *As a Class-2 player Cerezo Osaka Jubilo Iwata *Developmental loan SC Sagamihara *Developmental loan Cerezo Osaka National Team U-17 Japan U-18 Japan U-19 Japan U-20 Japan U-22 Japan Player Data J1: 81 games / 3 goals J2: 23 games / 0 goal J3: 63 games / 2 goals League Cup: 31 games / 2 goals Emperor's Cup: 12 games / 1 goal ACL: 2 games / 0 goal

Kakeru Funaki joins Albirex Niigata

<h3 id="h0ccf9d664c">Cerezo suffered a 0-1 loss in the 50th Osaka Derby in the league, unable to capitalize on multiple chances and conceding from a set piece in a frustrating result.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/376b4b4d36af4a7fba4ffb14127a0d03/0707MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> Thirteen days after their previous league match against Tokyo Verdy in Matchweek 21 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Cerezo Osaka hosted Gamba Osaka at home for Matchweek 23. It was the 50th Osaka Derby in J1 League history. Marking the occasion, Cerezo players wore special logos on their kits. Compared to the Tokyo Verdy match, there were three changes to the starting lineup: Vitor Bueno, Hinata Kida, and Kyohei Noborizato were left out, while Motohiko Nakajima started as the attacking midfielder, Shunta Tanaka made his first start since returning from injury in the holding midfield role, and Niko Takahashi came in at left back. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/c7e33b7eef8740cebc31d2e8f7016cea/0707MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> Both sides earned early corner kicks and threatened the goal from the outset. In the 6th minute, Lucas Fernandes won the ball with solid defending, leading to a move where Shinji Kagawa passed to Motohiko Nakajima, who unleashed a mid-range shot. In the 8th minute, Gamba responded with a shot from attacking midfielder Makoto Mitsuta off a cross by Ryoya Yamashita. The match quickly heated up, and Gamba took control in the first half. Having suffered a 2-0 defeat in the opening 25 minutes of their previous match against Kyoto Sanga FC, Gamba made changes to their starting lineup and restructured their defense. As a result, Cerezo struggled to move the ball forward. With the central areas shut down, even the in-form Lucas Fernandes was kept quiet, and attacks down the flanks failed to make an impact. While Cerezo endured a tough spell, they nearly conceded in the 23rd minute when Yamashita broke free on a short counterattack, but Shinnosuke Hatanaka made a desperate recovery and blocked the shot with a sliding tackle. From the resulting corner, Genta Miura got a free header, but again, Hatanaka cleared with a crucial header to keep the game level. After the hydration break, Cerezo began to fight back. In the 28th minute, Ryuya Nishio switched the play to the right, where Hayato Okuda delivered a cross to the far post. Thiago Andrade got on the end of it and had a clear chance, but his shot struck the post. Gamba created another chance in the 33rd minute, but Yamashita's shot missed the target, and Cerezo escaped. Cerezo then launched a flurry of attacks heading into halftime. In the 38th minute, Nakajima received a pass from Kagawa and quickly turned to shoot, and later in the same minute, Shunta Tanaka headed from a corner, though the former was saved by the goalkeeper and the latter narrowly cleared the bar. In the 42nd minute, another big chance came. Nakajima played a through ball that sent Thiago down the left. He crossed into the box, and after a deflection, Rafael Ratao pounced on the loose ball. He rounded the keeper and, from a tight angle, got his shot off — only to be denied again by the post. Reflecting after the match, Hatanaka said, “Toward the end of the first half, we had chances to score two or three goals. If we had been able to capitalize on them, the game could have turned out differently.” Indeed, the inability to finish those chances proved costly in the end. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/0462728c7d1e4ed297866c1c9746d401/0707MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/a530293110814e0a9bd823641d2be247/0707MR.jpg" alt=""> Carrying the momentum from the end of the first half, Cerezo continued to push forward in the second half, keeping the ball high up the pitch and playing in the opponent’s half. However, shots from Motohiko Nakajima in the 48th minute, Lucas Fernandes in the 50th, and Shinji Kagawa from inside the box in the 60th all failed to hit the target, and the score remained unchanged. Although Cerezo had kept Gamba from mounting any attacks throughout the second half, they were caught on the counter in the 69th minute and conceded from the resulting corner. A shot from Neta Lavi, off a pass from Makoto Mitsuta, deflected off the back of Riku Handa and changed direction before finding the net — a somewhat unfortunate goal for Cerezo to concede. In the 73rd minute, manager Arthur Papas responded with a triple substitution. Dion Cools, making his J.League debut, came in at right back, while Masaya Shibayama and Shion Homma were introduced in the attacking midfield. Despite this push, Cerezo couldn’t break down Gamba’s reinforced defense. In the 84th minute, Kagawa and Tanaka were replaced by Hinata Kida and Reiya Sakata. Kida slotted into the anchor role as the team shifted to a 4-1-4-1 formation, committing more players forward. Their best chance came in stoppage time: Sakata was brought down after a dribble, earning a free kick. Shibayama’s delivery to the far post was met by Cools, who headed it across goal for Rafael Ratao to tap in — but the flag was up. Cools had been marginally offside, and the goal was ruled out. Yodoko Sakura Stadium was ready to erupt, but the last-minute equalizer never came. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/eb6d15170c0f42d2ab7a38bc691bff52/0707MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/48f6f2a0286e46858a10dbb01548c884/0707MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo continued to push forward in search of a goal, but it never came, and the match ended in a 0-1 defeat. It was the team’s first home loss in the Osaka Derby since the 2018 season — a bitter result that Shunta Tanaka summed up simply as “just incredibly frustrating.” Before the match, the support from fans had reached a fever pitch, with not only the goal-end stand but also the main and back stands forming a spectacular choreograph to boost the team. “We weren’t able to repay the supporters who created such an amazing atmosphere,” said manager Papas with disappointment. At the same time, the manager vowed further growth, saying, “We need to double down on our football and become stronger.” Turning this bitter Osaka Derby loss into fuel, the team will continue striving for greater strength together through the rest of the season.

Review: Cerezo Osaka 0-1 Gamba Osaka (J1 MD23)

Cerezo Osaka announce that Jaroensak Wonggorn has left the club following the expiration of his loan contract. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"First of all, I would like to thank the coaches, staff, teammates, and all the Cerezo fans. The time has come for me to leave the team. It’s a bit disappointing that the wonderful time we spent together was so short. I’m sorry that I couldn’t contribute to the team, but I’m truly happy to have been part of the Cerezo family. I was very happy to be warmly welcomed from day one. I look forward to the day we can meet again. Lastly, I sincerely wish Cerezo success and the achievement of its goals." <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth May 18, 1997 Place of Birth Thailand Height / Weight 168cm / 60kg Position Forward Career Air Force Central (Thailand) Pattaya United FC (Thailand) BG Pathum United FC (Thailand) Muangthong United FC (Thailand) BG Pathum United FC (Thailand) Cerezo Osaka *Loan National Team U-19 Thailand U-21 Thailand U-22 Thailand U-23 Thailand Thailand Player Data (Domestic) League Cup: 2 games / 1 goal

Jaroensak Wonggorn leaves Cerezo Osaka after loan expiration

<h3 id="hb65e2b8ecb">Lucas Fernandes delivered two brilliant assists as Cerezo opened the second half of the league at home with a win. Second-half substitutes Motohiko Nakajima and Shunta Tanaka also contributed to the victory.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/88cdb1e64e9c496998d21f9b6d10b462/0623MR.jpg" alt=""> After a six-day break following the previous match against FC Tokyo, Cerezo Osaka hosted Tokyo Verdy at home for Matchweek 21 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. This fixture marked a fresh start following the end of a grueling nine-match stretch, and served as the team's first home game of the second half of the season — an important clash in their push to stay among the league's top contenders. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, while new signing Dion Cools was included in the squad for the first time. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/25e4febcf2d34e559311744f402bd23f/0623MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo came out on the front foot from the start, pushing high up the pitch with their defensive line and applying early pressure. In the 11th minute, after receiving a pass from Shinji Kagawa, Ryuya Nishio fired a powerful shot from distance, forcing a save from the goalkeeper. Dominating possession and pressing high to quickly win back the ball, Cerezo made a strong start. However, after the 10-minute mark, Tokyo Verdy began to gain more of the ball. Yuta Arai, who played as the lone striker and scored the winner in the previous meeting, broke into the penalty area, but Nishio made a crucial recovery to snuff out the danger. Just as it seemed Tokyo Verdy might take control, Cerezo broke the deadlock. Following a free-kick situation, Hinata Kida picked up the second ball and combined with Hayato Okuda before Lucas Fernandes whipped in a low, driven cross that Rafael Ratao met with a sharp header. Reflecting on the goal, Ratao noted, “I knew I wouldn’t get to the ball if I stayed static because they mark man-to-man. I focused on adjusting my positioning and changing direction.” His movement was excellent, but it was also Lucas’s pinpoint delivery that made the goal possible. Although Tokyo Verdy enjoyed more possession from the middle of the first half onwards, Cerezo stayed compact in a 4-4-2 mid-block and prevented any shots. However, in stoppage time, a clearance from Nishio inside the box deflected off a teammate and fell to Shuhei Kawasaki, who finished to level the score. It was an unfortunate goal to concede, and the first half ended 1–1. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/3db760b5780a4b79927d6ac212a0f90d/0623MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d1b2aba074c04c37aa74b92c07cdd141/0623MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> At halftime, manager Arthur Papas made two changes, bringing on Motohiko Nakajima and Shunta Tanaka in place of Vitor Bueno and Kida. Nakajima immediately stepped up the press, raising the intensity of Cerezo’s defense. With more success in winning the ball higher up the pitch compared to the first half, Tanaka also played an active role by feeding incisive vertical passes to push the team forward. “In the second half, it was important which side took control first. Motohiko and I wanted to make our presence felt, and I’m glad we were able to set the tone early,” Tanaka reflected after the match. As he noted, Papas’s proactive substitutions paid off. Cerezo gained the upper hand in the second half, and in the 48th minute, Nakajima met a cross from Lucas Fernandes with a header that was brilliantly saved by Tokyo Verdy goalkeeper Matheus. But the next opportunity would not go to waste. In the 62nd minute, after clearing a long ball, Shinnosuke Hatanaka, Nakajima, and Fernandes linked up to drive into the final third. Nakajima then played a sublime through ball that put Ratao one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Although it looked like Ratao had been brought down, no whistle was blown. Play continued, and Fernandes, who didn’t stop running, collected the loose ball and whipped in a cross to the far post, where Thiago Andrade headed home to restore Cerezo’s lead. Thiago, who also put in a strong shift defensively, said, “As I play more games, I’ve started to read the flow better. Getting more minutes has helped me blend in and become more effective in the team.” His strong all-around performance reflected that growing confidence. In the closing stages, Tokyo Verdy ramped up their attack with fresh legs off the bench, but Cerezo held firm. Goalkeeper Koki Fukui dealt calmly with a series of set pieces, keeping the visitors from creating any clear chances. Other substitutes also contributed—Shion Homma made driving runs in attack, Masaya Shibayama helped manage the tempo, and Kyohei Yoshino, brought on in midfield, effectively closed out the match. Demonstrating the team’s depth and composure, Cerezo secured a 2–1 win, making it four straight home victories in the league. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ad357d2958b243d3886ec3097b287b77/0623MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6c4625cb102048c18382ab2ac25b6d07/0623MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> Looking ahead to the second half of the league, manager Papas had expressed his desire to “increase the number of matches that lead to wins, rather than draws,” while he commented after the match, “Tonight’s victory was very important. I believe it showed the growth we have made since the match against Tokyo Verdy two months ago.” Cerezo Osaka, riding a wave of four consecutive home wins, now prepare for their next challenge: the Osaka Derby. Hosting Gamba Osaka at their fortress, Yodoko Sakura Stadium, they are focused on thorough preparations for this must-win encounter. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/57bd81364da6443fbccea9c8a267865e/0623MR%20(1).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 2-1 Tokyo Verdy (J1 MD21)

<h3 id="h96eafcf3c9">Cerezo bounced back from an early setback and briefly took the lead through returning Shunta Tanaka, but were pegged back late and had to settle for a draw. Frustration remained, but the team pushed on through the nine-game stretch.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/65929d56b58b44c3b681ddd268144787/0615MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> Just two days after the Emperor's Cup Second Round, Cerezo Osaka traveled away to face FC Tokyo in the 20th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. This match marked the ninth game of their nine consecutive official matches. Starting with six changes from the Emperor's Cup Second Round, Cerezo had two reliable teammates back on the bench. Shunta Tanaka was included for the first time since the 12th round against Tokyo Verdy, and Shion Homma was included for the first time since the 10th round against Kashima Antlers. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/bf155045ef4d419fa83a3e196bb044b9/0615MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> The match started under heavy rain, and just three minutes in, Lucas Fernandes lost possession under pressure from multiple opponents in a low position. FC Tokyo quickly launched a short counterattack, and Marcelo Ryan scored the opening goal. FC Tokyo had two weeks of preparation ahead of this match, and Cerezo wanted to gauge their approach—including lineup and system—right from the start, but they found themselves behind early on. FC Tokyo played a solid defensive, quick counter style centered around their lone striker Ryan, and Cerezo continued to face danger on counters. However, at the 26th minute, Kyohei Noborizato made a desperate block to prevent a second goal. Offensively, Cerezo struggled to create clear chances but maintained composure despite conceding, keeping control of the game. At the heart of this effort was Shinji Kagawa, who said, “If we had conceded a second goal, the game would have been over, so I tried to control the game carefully. We felt that if we circulated the ball well, chances would eventually come.” Their patience paid off in the 42nd minute when they capitalized on a single opportunity to equalize. After Shinnosuke Hatanaka blocked an attack from the side, the ball found its way to Kagawa, who received it freely and delivered a precise long pass into the space ahead. Rafael Ratao, battling with the opposing center back, timed his run perfectly to receive the ball. Ratao’s exquisite trap allowed him to face forward, and he dribbled past the goalkeeper to score. It was a beautiful goal, perfectly timed and executed between passer and finisher. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6711d13de721400ea6f370f710c0778b/0615MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/fed6066535634ee4894751f064ed6021/0615MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> Arthur Papas, dissatisfied with the first half, said, “We wanted to develop the game while playing our style, but in the first half, even when we got the ball, we couldn’t face forward and often lost possession, leading to counters against us.” He instructed the team to increase the tempo for the second half. As a result, Cerezo spent more time pushing forward in the opponent’s half. At the 65th minute, Tanaka and Homma both came on simultaneously. Then, in the 71st minute, Cerezo took the lead. The goal was scored by Tanaka, who had just entered the game. He intercepted a pass in the opponent’s half and quickly fed it forward to Ratao. Receiving a layoff from Ratao, Lucas played a perfect through ball to Tanaka making a run into the penalty area. Moving while controlling the pass, Tanaka turned and calmly finished with a low shot. The captain described the goal as “completely as I imagined,” celebrating his return with this crucial strike. However, in the final 15 minutes, FC Tokyo increased pressure from the flanks, including substitutions, putting Cerezo on the defensive. A cross-shot from Kota Tawaratsumida in the 77th minute hit the post, and in a dangerous moment at the 79th minute, Shinnosuke Hatanaka made a determined block to keep the score intact. But at the 81st minute, Cerezo’s defense was breached down their left side, and FC Tokyo equalized. FC Tokyo continued their fierce attack, riding the home momentum. Yet, goalkeeper Koki Fukui made a fine save on a shot on target at the 88th minute. In added time, when the defense was fully broken down, Ryuya Nishio made a heroic block right in front of goal to prevent a comeback. The match ended 2-2. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/972b47a0992240eeb6d5d480cb83e384/0615MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/178c017437884537b276978b7aff5c9a/0615MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> As manager Papas summarized, "We created chances ourselves, but FC Tokyo also had big opportunities. I think it was a match worthy of a draw." Both teams attacked each other fiercely, and although Cerezo once took the lead and wanted to secure the win, after the ninth match of the nine-game stretch, they showed signs of fatigue. Still, they managed to bring back one point. "We have played 17 matches in two months. Throughout that period, the players have worked hard without sparing effort, and I want to commend them for that," said manager Papas. From the J1 League 10th round match against Kashima to the eight-match run, and then from the 17th round against Kawasaki Frontale through the nine-match stretch, the team has fought through a total of 17 games. During this period, both the players and the team have shown significant growth. Injured players have also returned one after another, increasing the competition within the squad. With higher goals in sight, they aim to take each match as a must-win and continue fighting through the second half of the league. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d51ed75d816942cba08eddfadc65bb6b/0615MR.jpg" alt="">

Review: FC Tokyo 2-2 Cerezo Osaka (J1 MD20)

<h3 id="hc98a03d834">Cerezo Osaka won comfortably with five goals in the 2nd round of the Emperor’s Cup against Arterivo Wakayama, advancing to the 3rd round thanks to the whole team effort.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/70d6e596797c4484809e69b837a89f61/250611_01.JPG" alt=""> Two days after the second leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round, Cerezo Osaka faced Arterivo Wakayama in the 2nd round of the Emperor’s Cup. The starting lineup saw eight changes, with Hayato Okuda stepping in at left-back as the team lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/5f00263428914e2bb31df7518cf5ea9b/250611_02.JPG" alt=""> Against Wakayama, who defended with six at the back in a 6-4 formation, Cerezo took control of the ball from the early stages. Although breaking down an opponent that tightly packed the width and closed the center was not easy, Cerezo gradually created chances as time went on. The first clear chance came in the 14th minute, when Kengo Furuyama met Takumi Nakamura’s cross with a header, only to be denied by a strong save from the goalkeeper. At the 17th minute, another opportunity arose: Masaya Shibayama received the ball on the right flank and combined with Shinji Kagawa in a one-two, advancing into the penalty area before curling a left-footed shot just wide of the target. In the 28th minute, Cerezo created their third big chance. Furuyama, after winning the ball high up the pitch, fired a shot inside the box, but once again the goalkeeper came to the rescue. Despite the elusive first goal, Cerezo struck in the 31st minute when Furuyama won the ball again in an advanced position and was fouled by a defender, earning a penalty. Vítor Bueno calmly slotted the ball into the right corner to open the scoring. Cerezo maintained control and in the 41st minute, Furuyama broke through on a through ball from Kagawa and had a golden chance, but was once again denied by the goalkeeper. Reflecting on the missed chances after the match, Furuyama admitted, “If I had scored more in the first half, we could have decided the game early on. I’m left with a sense of frustration at not finishing better.” <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/0e11f09b70354cb6a05bab286a005a5f/250611_03.JPG" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/414422d962a546a896c16f5004e409e2/250611_04.JPG" alt=""> Defensively, Cerezo were caught on the counterattack a few times after having passes intercepted, but they did not allow Wakayama to register any shots on target and finished the first half without conceding. The first chance of the second half also came from Cerezo. In the 47th minute, Furuyama received a pass from Shibayama and took up a position at the edge of the penalty area, but the angle was tight, and he couldn’t get a proper shot off. Wakayama, who started the first half focusing on defense, raised their pressing line and showed a more aggressive stance in the second half. However, in the 50th minute, Cerezo exploited the space behind them to score the second goal. Receiving a pass from Bueno, Thiago Andrade broke down the left side, drove toward goal on the dribble, and blasted the ball into the top near corner. From there, Cerezo launched a series of relentless attacks. Bueno had a chance in the 52nd minute, Nakamura in the 55th, and Ryosuke Shindo got a good opportunity from a corner in the 58th minute. At that point, manager Arthur Papas made three substitutions to push for the win. Amid chances in the 60th and 62nd minutes, Cerezo finally secured the decisive third goal in the 64th minute. Furuyama’s fierce long-range shot hit the post twice and rebounded to Rafael Ratao, who had just come on as a substitute, and he calmly finished. After that, Cerezo eased their offensive pressure and started to control the game. Wakayama began to hold more possession, but Cerezo did not allow any clear-cut chances. Then, in the 87th minute, toward the end of the match, Kakeru Funaki joined the attack from his holding midfield position, broke down the left side, and passed inside. Kyohei Noborizato ran onto the ball, and his shot deflected off a defender before looping into the net. In injury time, Furuyama capped off the goal rush by scoring the fifth goal after receiving a pass from Bueno, securing Cerezo’s progression to the third round. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/2727d56ef2ce4276aa0517601904fe3e/250611_06.JPG" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/354c71af892a49f0a667118a65781792/250611_07.JPG" alt=""> Just two days after the painful 120-minute battle that ended with Cerezo Osaka’s elimination from the Levain Cup Playoff Round, the team secured a convincing 5-goal victory without showing any signs of weakness, both physically and mentally. After the match, manager Arthur Papas praised the squad for their rebound mentality, saying, “The players fought hard to bounce back after playing 120 minutes on Sunday. I want to commend their mental strength.” The next official match comes again just two days later, an away game against FC Tokyo in the 20th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. “It’s a tough schedule, but as the last of our nine consecutive matches, we want to aim for victory as a team,” said Kyohei Noborizato. With this match marking the start of the league’s second half, Cerezo will once again focus on physical and mental recovery to face the ninth game of their intense nine-match run together as one team. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/fdc7d26723a645d1b09238880d93d438/0612MR.jpg" alt="">

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