<h3 id="ha71e92f29f">Cerezo Osaka take the lead via the Yumeki Yokoyama-Solomon Sakuragawa hotline but end in a regrettable comeback defeat, looking for a win in the next home fixture against Vissel Kobe.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/1299590f8c444872a36cdd2dc1879ea5/0320MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Three days after the dramatic comeback victory against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the previous match, Cerezo Osaka hosted Fagiano Okayama at home for Matchday 7 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League Regional League Round. The starting eleven saw one change from the previous match. Hinata Kida replaced Shinnosuke Hatanaka, who was substituted in the last game; Kida played as a defensive midfielder, while Shunta Tanaka dropped back to center-back. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b8c49b396af843879d1bcbb30fa009fc/0320MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> The match began under chilling rain, and in the early stages, Okayama held possession and used the width of the pitch, allowing their left wing-back Towa Yamane to threaten with crosses and shots after cutting inside. In attack, Cerezo struggled to progress the ball initially against Okayama's man-oriented pressing, but they moved forward by effectively using long balls to Solomon Sakuragawa. In the 13th minute, Yumeki Yokoyama picked up a second ball from a Sakuragawa aerial challenge and played a pass into the space behind. Although it narrowly failed to reach Motohiko Nakajima, it created a situation that would have been a decisive chance had it connected. In the 19th minute, Cerezo succeeded in taking the lead. The play started with goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura passing through the center, moving to Nelson Ishiwatari before being carried to the left flank. From there, Hinata Kida provided support in the center again, and with Sakuragawa acting as the focal point, the play expanded to the right side. This created a one-on-one situation for Yokoyama while facing forward; Yokoyama beat his marker with a feint and delivered a swift cross. Sakuragawa surged toward the lofted ball and scored with a high-point header. From this point, Cerezo increased their possession and spent more time playing in the opponent's half. However, in the 45th minute, as the midfield and defensive line dropped momentarily against an Okayama attack, Dion Cools initially blocked a header from Werik Popo following a cross, but the loose ball was picked up by Yamane on the opposite side. After allowing a cross from a high position, Werik Popo headed the ball in at the far post. Considering the flow of the game, it was a first half that Cerezo would have wanted to conclude with at least a one-goal lead. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/783e023597e44deeb5774feea16d5f7d/0320MR.jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8e844e3e6b3746d5b713fe6113743f13/0320MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> Okayama went on the offensive from the start of the second half. In the 55th minute, Werik Popo broke through the defense into a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Nakamura spread his body to prevent a shot. In attack, as in the first half, chances arose from Sakuragawa holding up the ball early in the second half. Thiago Andrade in the 54th minute and Dion Cools in the 60th minute managed to get shots away. However, as the attacks ended in isolation, Cerezo conceded the go-ahead goal to Okayama in the 69th minute. Against Yamane, who had frequently found himself free since the first half, the pressure became slack, and his curling right-footed cross sailed directly into the far side of the net. While it was an unlucky goal, it was also an "accident" resulting from being pinned back. As in the previous match, the second-line players were completely replaced during the second half. Masaya Shibayama, Reiya Sakata, and Shion Homma were introduced in quick succession, and Shinji Kagawa, returning to the squad for the first time in three matches, also entered as a defensive midfielder to distribute the ball and build play. In the 74th minute, Sakuragawa turned and Shibayama carried the ball on a dribble to provide a final pass; Homma cut inside and shot, but it was blocked by a defender. In the 82nd minute, Sakuragawa had another chance from a Homma pass but could not finish the shot. While Sakuragawa had been peerless in the first half, he was marked more tightly in the second half and faced Okayama's proactive defending. In the 84th minute, Wigi Kanemoto was introduced as the fifth substitute. With the aim of "picking up the balls contested by Solo-kun (Sakuragawa), distributing them to the surroundings, and getting into the box for crosses" (Kanemoto), Cerezo launched a final counter-attack but could not create a decisive opening as time expired. It was a bittersweet professional debut for Kanemoto, and for the entire team, a comeback defeat that left a sense of regret. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b8a0769aed5a48b69b46ab9d3dd662ef/0320MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d732a903beee4b6bb1af62f3d69ccd34/0320MR%20(9).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/dd57679063f94781acc7d8cf289a8973/0320MR%20(10).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Fagiano Okayama (J1 100 Year Vision League MD7)

<h3 id="hfb5a20624a">Conceding early in the 2nd half, Cerezo level through Reiya Sakata’s first-ever J1 goal before Shunta Tanaka strikes a winner in the last minutes to seal a dramatic comeback win.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/7aa464f0bc6645eeb5615bbd3c4a92db/0316MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> Six days after Matchday 5 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League Regional League Round against Shimizu S-Pulse, Cerezo Osaka traveled away to take on Kyoto Sanga F.C. for Matchday 6. The starting eleven remained unchanged from the previous match, while Wigi Kanemoto was named among the substitutes for the first time this season. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ca1b81a0531a46e5b356a9910871d991/0316MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> In the 6th minute, Solomon Sakuragawa held the ball up front and broke through vertically, creating a chance with a cross. Immediately after, Cerezo were dispossessed during their build-up, leading to a dangerous counter-attack. While the match began in a thrilling end-to-end fashion, the first half proceeded at Kyoto’s pace. Dominating possession and winning second balls, the home side pushed Cerezo back. In the 17th minute, Marco Tulio broke through Cerezo’s left flank, creating a major threat, but Shinnosuke Hatanaka tracked back with desperate coverage to ensure the shot went wide. Two minutes later, Tulio broke through again, but this time Ayumu Ohata’s tenacious defending prevented a shot. Cerezo responded immediately with a big chance of their own; Nelson Ishiwatari received a layoff from Sakuragawa and played a final pass to Yumeki Yokoyama, who cut in from the right to shoot, though his effort was blocked by a defender. Kyoto intensified their pressure in the final ten minutes of the half. They created back-to-back decisive chances in the 41st and 44th minutes; the former was denied by a fingertips save from Kosuke Nakamura, while the latter missed the target. Cerezo had their own moment in the 37th minute when Ohata penetrated deep into the opponent's territory from a high throw-in and fired a left-footed shot from a tight angle, only to be stopped by the goalkeeper. While Sakuragawa’s hard work was a highlight, Cerezo’s attacks remained isolated. Nevertheless, with Rikito Inoue, Hatanaka, and Ishiwatari putting their bodies on the line, the match went into the break at 0-0. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ead099ae51fa4363a6aeaca2852eef4a/0316MR%20(1).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/357e83c72cd34bceb304bab8588643aa/0316MR%20(2).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> Kyoto continued their momentum at the start of the second half. Following a free kick awarded after a build-up error, Nakamura parried a sharp, curling shot, but the ensuing corner led to a goal. Although Nakamura initially clawed the ball away, it wasn't cleared effectively, allowing Marco Tulio to turn it in. Chasing a goal, Cerezo began their counter-offensive. In the 54th minute, Sakuragawa held the ball tenaciously, and Yokoyama broke down the flank to cross for Thiago Andrade, whose effort went straight to the goalkeeper. Another decisive chance followed in the 57th minute; Thiago broke through on the left via a one-two with Motohiko Nakajima, and Yokoyama received the cutback, turning to shoot. It was a fluid move, but the goalkeeper produced a fine save. Recognizing the pivotal moment, Manager Arthur Papas introduced fresh attacking midfielders. In the 62nd minute, Masaya Shibayama replaced Ishiwatari, with Shibayama moving to the number 10 role and Nakajima dropping into defensive midfield. After Shibayama initiated a chance in the 67th minute, both wingers were substituted in the 70th minute, with Shion Homma and Reiya Sakata coming on for Thiago and Yokoyama. "Since the game had been difficult, Shion and I came on determined to change the flow," Sakata said afterward—and he did exactly that with his first involvement. In the 71st minute, Sakata received a layoff from Sakuragawa following a feed from Ohata and drove through the center. After drawing in the defense, he spread the play to the right for Dion Cools, whose shot was blocked, but Sakata pounced on the rebound and lashed a right-footed strike into the net. It was a joyful first goal on the J1 stage. Celebrating his first such moment in his fourth professional year, he let out a scream of pure emotion. Another chance followed in the 73rd minute; Ohata, Sakata, and Homma combined to tear the side open, and Shibayama met Homma’s cross at the near post, but his side-footed effort cleared the bar. Shibayama had another golden opportunity in the 82nd minute, skillfully rounding the keeper and feinting past a defender, only to see his finish blocked. Despite swinging the momentum, the number 48 expressed both satisfaction and regret after failing to clinical once again. The closing stages turned into another back-and-forth battle, but Shunta Tanaka covered vast ground to snuff out Kyoto’s threats. Then, drama unfolded in stoppage time. In the 90+6th minute, a kick from Nakamura was worked through Sakuragawa and Homma to break the center, putting Sakata through on goal. He fired what he felt was a certain goal, but it was denied by a big save. Nevertheless, the resulting corner led to the winner. Tanaka met Nakajima’s near-post delivery. "I had been targeting the far post until then, but at that moment I felt it was coming to the near side," Tanaka said, having outmuscled his marker to find the net. Cerezo shifted to a back five to see out the match, securing a brilliant comeback victory in Kyoto for the second consecutive season. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/57ffced6dff2453e92e11d97002ef5ce/0316MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e00105afd82146199f7d422b38642e07/0316MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> "The substitutes made a real impact. It doesn't always go this well, but it did today. That said, the players who started and built the game also did a great job," said Manager Papas, praising everyone who took the pitch. Despite enduring a difficult spell from the end of the first half into the start of the second and conceding first, the team overturned the deficit through collective strength, including the bench. This marked consecutive wins following the penalty shootout victory in the previous match, lifting Cerezo to 5th place. The next match is at home in three days against Fagiano Okayama, where the team will aim for a third straight win to climb even higher. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/48519c4593504155ae93b426cc290d20/0316MR%20(5).jpg" alt="">

Review: Kyoto Sanga F.C. vs Cerezo Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD6)

<h3 id="h21af1bdd4d">In a penalty shootout reached after a 0-0 draw where chances went unconverted, Kosuke Nakamura makes a string of big saves, stopping two shots to bring the team two points.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/21d827fa9d44469a8780a3e64f2a7f22/0309MR.jpg" alt=""> Six days have passed since the away game against V-Varen Nagasaki. Cerezo Osaka returned home to face Shimizu S-Pulse for Matchday 5 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League Regional League Round. There were three changes to the starting lineup from the Nagasaki match, with Masaya Shibayama, Reiya Sakata, and Shinji Kagawa making way for Motohiko Nakajima, Yumeki Yokoyama, and Nelson Ishiwatari. Nakajima returned to the XI for the first time in four matches since the season opener, while Yokoyama and Ishiwatari made their first starts in the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d26199e5efbd48939669f80b408995a6/0309MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> In the 1st minute, Shimizu’s Oh Se Hun created a focal point, leading to a cross from Capixaba on the left flank, but goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura punched it away firmly. In the 2nd minute, Cerezo responded as Shinnosuke Hatanaka and Ishiwatari linked up to bypass the opposition, with Nakajima receiving the ball centrally and playing a through ball forward. Each team’s characteristics were clearly on display from the start. Nakajima continued to lead the attack thereafter; in the 8th minute, his powerful dribbling drew a yellow card from the opponent, and in the 21st minute, he carried the ball on a counter-attack to deliver a cross, creating a chance. While the match remained balanced for the first 30 minutes, Cerezo defended set-pieces with focus before intensifying their offensive after the half-hour mark. In the 31st minute, Thiago Andrade drew close to the goal after latching onto a Nakajima through ball, followed immediately by Yokoyama cutting in from the right to shoot. In the 38th minute, Solomon Sakuragawa met a cross from Thiago, who had broken into space on the left. A decisive chance arrived in the 42nd minute: Nakajima spread the play wide to the left, Thiago received it and cut the ball back, and Ayumu Ohata, having made an underlapping run, laid it off for Nakajima to fire a left-footed mid-range shot. Despite the well-worked move, the shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Although the deadlock remained, Cerezo gradually took control after the initial back-and-forth battle as the first half drew to a close. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/cbce3f89b06a4ff19be8133b128322d5/0309MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/c8a12a93e1464516ac0c9d367e1cc502/0309MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo started the second half by continuing their momentum from the end of the first, pushing forward. In the 46th minute, Yokoyama drove vertically to deliver a cross that narrowly missed Sakuragawa. In the 47th minute, Thiago received a pass from Shunta Tanaka and dribbled forward to shoot. As each player showed aggression toward the goal, another big chance arrived in the 57th minute: Ishiwatari cleverly drew a pass from Dion Cools to find space and played a through ball to Nakajima running behind. Thiago met Nakajima’s cross from the opposite side with a header but failed to make solid contact. Defensively, every player put their body on the line in potentially dangerous situations, preventing Shimizu from registering a single shot on target. Desperate to find a goal at home, Cerezo made a double substitution in the 67th minute, bringing on Shion Homma and Sakata for Yokoyama and Thiago. By introducing fresh legs on both wings, they attempted to break through from the flanks. Shortly after in the 69th minute, Homma cut inside toward the center and spread the play to the right. A pinpoint cross to the near post from a high-positioned Dion Cools went untouched, but Nakajima picked up the loose ball on the far side and crossed again. After shifting the play from side to side, Sakata met it at the far post, only to see his header saved by the goalkeeper. In the 77th minute, Sakata broke through via a one-two with Tanaka to deliver a cross. With Nakajima at the near post and Homma at the far, he chose the near side, but the effort was blocked by a defender. It was a game where the opening goal remained elusive. Intensifying the attack by introducing Hinata Kida in the 82nd minute and Shibayama in the 87th, a decisive chance finally came in the 90th minute. Capitalizing on an opponent’s error, Sakata won the ball high up the pitch, and Sakuragawa carried it forward to play a final pass into the center. Shibayama, running in, faced a golden opportunity, but his shot from point-blank range went wide of the target. A last-gasp winner was not to be. Defensively, led by Rikito Inoue and Hatanaka, the team kept Oh Se Hun quiet and successfully limited Shimizu to zero shots on target until the final whistle. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/9381cfe01bac40d8bb4d91d1217ab82d/0309MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/65a01e5b2bbf43d0b0db9c93b2d41d32/0309MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Nakamura stopped the first attempt from Shimizu’s Capixaba with his foot. As Yodoko Sakura Stadium erupted over the goalkeeper’s big play, Cerezo’s first kicker, Tanaka, converted clinically. After Cools and Hatanaka also succeeded, the fourth kicker arrived. Nakamura produced another big save against Shimizu’s Kengo Kitazume. Shibayama then stepped up for the chance to win it, calmly slotting the ball into the opposite side of the goalkeeper to settle the contest. In terms of performance, while Hatanaka noted it was "a match we had to win in 90 minutes," the team secured its first home victory of the season. The hero, Nakamura, spoke modestly of his joy, saying, "I’m happy I could contribute to the team," while expressing his hunger for three points, adding, "I want to work toward delivering an even better result next time." The next match is away against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in six days. The team looks to defeat an opponent sitting three points above them and break into the upper tier of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League West. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/584ea62be37a4cf9ba099d2e5ea11fd0/0309MR%20(6).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Shimizu S-Pulse (J1 100 Year Vision League MD5)

<h3 id="h7bd0f7e106">Kosuke Nakamura makes a string of big saves but Cerezo suffer away defeat to V-Varen Nagasaki with issues remaining in both attack and defense.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/98a17a7f7a314d89b68e21011c3dcde3/0302MR.jpg" alt=""> Five days have passed since Matchday 3 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League Regional League Round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Cerezo Osaka traveled away to face V-Varen Nagasaki for Matchday 4 of the Regional League Round. There was one change to the starting lineup from the Hiroshima match, with Shinnosuke Hatanaka returning to the starting XI for the first time in three matches since the season opener. Rikito Inoue, who was substituted after the first half in the previous match, also started, while Shunta Tanaka moved back into the defensive midfield role to partner with Shinji Kagawa. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/9a792d2ec2d84629add9e5502854e8f8/0302MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo started the match well by dominating possession and pushing forward, but around the 10th minute, misplaced passes in their own half began to increase, handing the initiative to Nagasaki. In the 11th minute, Nagasaki was gifted the first major chance of the match, but Kosuke Nakamura made a big save to deny Matheus Jesus. A minute later, Nakamura produced another fine save from a first-time volley from the flank. The game continued with Cerezo being dispossessed by Nagasaki's aggressive pressing and subjected to consistent pressure. In the 20th minute, a pass from a center-back was intercepted, leading to a mid-range shot against them. Despite being forced into a purely defensive role for the first 30 minutes, Cerezo held firm without conceding, thanks to their goalkeeper's heroics. From the 30th minute onwards, Cerezo began to find opportunities to enter the opponent's half. In the 31st minute, Thiago Andrade had a chance from a Kagawa pass, and in the 33rd minute, a wave of attacks ended with a shot from Masaya Shibayama. Both were thwarted by fine saves from the opposing goalkeeper, yet there was a sense that Cerezo was regaining momentum. However, they conceded in the 38th minute. An imprecise exchange between the two defensive midfielders, Kagawa and Tanaka, was intercepted by Thiago Santana, who had pressed back. The ball was carried forward, and Jesus ultimately fired a powerful, non-spinning mid-range shot into the net. Although Nagasaki threatened again in first-half stoppage time, Cerezo avoided a second goal and ended the half 0-1. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ffe634f8e6574a5ea7ad254168b3cfb6/0302MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/1dd58626829542179063cce7d39f43bb/0302MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo went on the offensive from a high position right at the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Shibayama broke through from a Reiya Sakata pass and nearly found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Another big chance followed in the 50th minute: after a sequence involving Ayumu Ohata and Thiago, Shibayama struck a shot that took a deflection and nearly went in, only to be stopped by the goalkeeper. While Cerezo managed to control possession in the second half, they were also subjected to sharp counter-attacks from Nagasaki, led by their trio of foreign players. Nevertheless, Nakamura continued to make a string of big saves just as he did in the first half, and Rikito Inoue even blocked a shot with his face. Hoping to reward the defensive effort, Manager Arthur Papas made his first substitutions in the 57th minute, bringing on Motohiko Nakajima and Yumeki Yokoyama for Shibayama and Sakata. Yokoyama, playing on the right wing, immediately created a chance with a vertical breakthrough. In the 58th minute, Solomon Sakuragawa met Nakajima's cross for a decisive chance, but it was once again denied by a fine save. When Yokoyama later shifted to the left wing, that side became more active, with Ohata joining the attack and the team penetrating the opponent's penalty area. Cerezo launched a fierce onslaught during this period, but Nagasaki's counters remained a threat; in the 69th minute, Dion Cools put his body on the line to stop a breakthrough on the right side. On the resulting corner for Nagasaki, Nakamura showed incredible reflexes to save a header from Jesus. Although Cerezo fought back in the second half and prevented further goals, an equalizer proved elusive on the day. In the 85th minute, Hatanaka connected well with Nakajima's corner at the near post, but his effort narrowly cleared the crossbar. Ultimately, the single goal conceded in the first half weighed heavily, resulting in a 0-1 defeat. The result handed Nagasaki their first home victory since their promotion to J1. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/41a008c0eb944e728714b2d8cc1f16e8/0302MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/f551151956704134a5c94049e2ae6aec/0302MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Following the previous match against Hiroshima, Cerezo once again saw the initiative taken from them early on. While the defense fought hard to keep the deficit to a minimum, the attack struggled to generate the desired number of shots and clear-cut chances, leading to consecutive defeats. Numerous issues remained from this match, including build-up play, the battle for second balls in midfield, and the overall intensity and frequency of attacking moves. The team aims to show an improved performance in the next match against Shimizu S-Pulse upon returning home, hoping to secure their first home victory of the season together with the supporters at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d1f4a9e6f3434518a9f7948f5da94d6a/0302MR%20(4).jpg" alt="">

Review: V-Varen Nagasaki vs Cerezo Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD4)

<h3 id="h73b95ee03d">Cerezo fall to a frustrating defeat in Yodoko Sakura Stadium opener as Solomon Sakuragawa's stoppage-time bicycle kick is cancelled out by a late Hiroshima winner.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/02db14c02a0f4027903b337055f5469c/0224MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> Six days have passed since Matchday 2 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League Regional League Round against Avispa Fukuoka, where the team secured its first victory of the season. Cerezo Osaka returned home to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima for Matchday 3 of the Regional League Round. Tickets were sold out for this season's first match at Yodoko Sakura Stadium, and the game kicked off amidst a heated atmosphere. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/a145fa9bacee4ea6992d2a1eb5ec47a9/0224MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> Manager Arthur Papas, who missed the previous match due to illness, returned to the touchline. The starting eleven remained unchanged from the last game. Just two minutes in, Solomon Sakuragawa held the ball deep on the right flank to win a corner. Despite a positive start, Cerezo spent much of the first half struggling to advance under the pressure of Hiroshima's press. Hiroshima utilized the full width of the pitch, creating threats through crosses. In the 22nd minute, a major chance was created, but Ayumu Ohata tracked back to make a superb clearance on the opponent's shot. He desperately stretched his leg to block the ball while in an acrobatic position. On the ensuing corner, Ohata cleared another decisive Hiroshima shot right in front of the goal. "Since the far side was open given the goalkeeper's position, I was thinking about covering it, and my body just moved instinctively," Ohata reflected on his two big plays. In the 25th minute, Thiago Andrade met Ohata's cross with a header at the near post, but this was Cerezo's only shot of the first half. Although they led in possession, they were unable to enter the opponent's half effectively. Nevertheless, by defending resolutely at the edge and keeping a clean sheet, they were able to stay in the game heading into the second half. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e40565e28aa44342a9a780f5592e270e/0224MR%20(3).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/97baf870a4cf48d1bc54745fa09d46cf/0224MR%20(2).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> At the start of the second half, Shinnosuke Hatanaka replaced Rikito Inoue at center-back. Unlike the first half, Cerezo began to find more ball possession in the open spaces of midfield, increasing their frequency of entering Hiroshima's half. In the 52nd minute, Sakuragawa flicked on Ohata's long ball with his head, and Thiago, who had broken into the space behind, carried it forward to deliver a cross. This move to exploit space—something not seen in the first half—created a chance. However, just as Cerezo began to rally, Hiroshima took the lead. Hatanaka, dealing with Hayato Araki’s long kick, lost the duel to Akito Suzuki, and Ryo Germain picked up the loose ball to score a mid-range shot with his left foot. Chasing the game, Cerezo introduced attacking players in quick succession. Yumeki Yokoyama came on as a left winger in the 64th minute, followed by Motohiko Nakajima and Kusini Yengi in the 76th minute, shifting the system to a 4-4-2. Regarding the formation with two forwards—a rarity last season—Manager Papas explained his intent: "Normally, I would bring on Yengi for Solomon, but Solomon was putting in a fantastic performance. I felt that by adding another forward, we could force errors from their center-backs, so I went with a front two." Sakuragawa himself reflected that this tactic was "effective," and Cerezo created a flurry of chances late in the half. In the 90th minute, Sakuragawa laid off Masaya Shibayama's through ball, putting Shinji Kagawa in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. It was a decisive moment, but his left-footed shot narrowly missed the target. The number 8 struck the pitch in frustration. Perhaps spurred by that intensity, Kyohei Noborizato broke into the penalty area in the 95th minute to create another chance. While he couldn't finish it, the equalizer arrived moments later. Following a long throw by Dion Cools, a defender's clearance flicked backward, allowing Sakuragawa to control the ball with his chest and launch a bicycle kick. "I had the option to lay it off, but I wanted to score myself and lead the team. With that feeling, I struck it to find the goal," he recalled of the brilliant goal that brought Cerezo level at the death. However, just when it seemed the match would go to a penalty shootout, Cerezo conceded a go-ahead goal in the 97th minute amidst Hiroshima's final onslaught. Whether to go for a second goal or settle for the draw—a moment of hesitation proved costly, and they were unable to close out the match. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d12bcc206faf483f968c279a3023810d/0224MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/cdcaa827976b4fb7b791a3690d489580/0224MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> "I don't think any player thought a draw was okay. But looking at the result, it was a regrettable way to end the match. Everyone feels that, so I hope we can share and process this as a team," Hatanaka reflected. How to unify the team's approach in the final minutes is a lesson to be carried forward. While the match ended in a disappointing result after Manager Papas had characterized it as one to "see where we currently stand," there were clear positives: the first-half defense that held firm despite being under pressure, and the second-half attack that grew more aggressive with new options. It is certain that there were gains for the future. In order to win the next match against V-Varen Nagasaki in five days, the entire team aims to elevate both their offense and defense. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/90c7caece1c54c9a949a7b46e302744e/0224MR.jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J1 100 Year Vision League MD3)

<h3 id="h44a8530a9c">Solomon Sakuragawa scores the team's first goal of the season. Cerezo improve their attack after an underwhelming opener to clinch their first victory of the campaign.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/c8c36815fe1848b1bd45c7e81c0a2184/0217MR.jpg" alt=""> Seven days had passed since the opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League against Gamba Osaka, which marked the start of this special season. Aiming for their first win of the campaign, Cerezo Osaka traveled to face Avispa Fukuoka in Matchday 2 of the Regional League Round. Manager Arthur Papas was absent due to illness, with Head Coach Raffaele Napoli taking charge of the dugout. Furthermore, Shinnosuke Hatanaka, who was originally named in the starting lineup, sustained an injury during the warm-up, leading to Shinji Kagawa making a last-minute start. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/03bd4419d10146429d5b13728c274401/0217MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Despite the various incidents leading up to the match, the team showed no signs of distress and started the game well. Just two minutes in, Solomon Sakuragawa initiated a move that broke down the left flank, leading to Masaya Shibayama delivering a sharp cross from Thiago Andrade’s pass. Playing as defensive midfielders, Hinata Kida and Kagawa took up excellent positions to receive the ball and move it forward. "From the first half, there were situations where the opponent's double pivots were late to press. While they hadn't quite grasped our movement, we rotated the ball well through the pivots, allowing Shiba (Shibayama) to become free and create some great attacks," Kagawa reflected after the match. Indeed, by working the ball through the midfield duo, Shibayama, playing in a pocket of space as the number 10, acted as the catalyst for the attack. A major chance arrived in the 18th minute. After Reiya Sakata intercepted a pass in the opponent's half, Sakuragawa laid the ball off for Shibayama to strike. Although blocked by a defender, the resulting corner led to the opening goal. Sakata picked up the second ball from Shibayama's delivery and sent in a pinpoint cross, which Sakuragawa met with a header to find the far side of the net. After being limited to just one shot in the opener, the number 9's "introduction" goal became the team's first of the season. Fukuoka attempted to fight back, but Sakuragawa's height proved effective even in set-piece situations. After successfully repelling crosses and second balls, Cerezo added a second in the 44th minute. Starting with Shunta Tanaka, who filled in at center-back for Hatanaka, the team bypassed the opponent's press through Kagawa and Kida before Rikito Inoue and Dion Cools broke down the right side. Finally, Sakata got on the end of Shibayama's through ball and cut it back for Thiago, who struck a fierce right-footed shot into the net. This brilliant move, which transitioned from a composed build-up to a sudden burst of speed, resulted in a goal that perfectly symbolized the team's performance today. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/cd7d33273b3546f3a2c70ac4560deafb/0217MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/97bb39c81a0647a0b2dcf66ef9ec37f4/0217MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo maintained control from the start of the second half and created a golden opportunity in the 51st minute. Kagawa played a vertical pass to Shibayama, who then threaded a through ball to Sakuragawa running into the space behind. Although Sakuragawa's effort was blocked by the rushing goalkeeper, Shibayama pounced on the loose ball, only for his unmarked shot to strike the post. It was a missed chance for a third goal to put the game to bed. Another big chance followed in the 52nd minute when Shibayama met Thiago's cross—after Thiago had been played in by Tanaka’s through ball—but his right-footed shot flew over the bar. Fukuoka then created consecutive threats from Cerezo’s left side in the 54th and 56th minutes. As Ayumu Ohata, who had been aggressive in both attack and defense, began to show signs of fatigue, Head Coach Napoli made his first substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Hayato Okuda. From this point, the home side Fukuoka went on the offensive. However, just like in the season opener, Cerezo’s committed defending prevented any clear-cut chances. In the 65th minute, Cools tracked back to make a vital cover. When Kusini Yengi, Motohiko Nakajima, and Nelson Ishiwatari were introduced simultaneously in the 80th minute, Cerezo found their second wind and created a chance on the counter in the 87th minute. However, Shibayama and Ishiwatari were unable to convert, and again, the elusive third goal remained out of reach. In the 88th minute, Yumeki Yokoyama came on to make his Cerezo debut. Although no more goals were scored in the second half, Cerezo secured a 2-0 victory without any defensive lapses. The team united to overcome the absence of Manager Papas and the last-minute loss of Hatanaka, clinching their first win of the season. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/984cf853e0ff4969a1d64f113a2a935b/0217MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/aa32f9e956174d8e9621629bf6c58385/0217MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> "It was a match played under difficult circumstances, but I think our daily preparation in training made all the difference. Being able to translate what we have built over the past year into a solid performance led to this result," Head Coach Napoli summarized. Cerezo fully showcased the improvements made this week following the challenges of the previous match, as well as the attacking football they have developed since Papas' appointment. In the next round, the team will aim for their first home victory of the season. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/708c183fe66e41f28205ac02f7dac941/0217MR%20(6).jpg" alt="">

Review: Avispa Fukuoka vs Cerezo Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD2)

<h3 id="hc4757fe93e">The Osaka Derby marks the opening of the 100-Year Vision League. Despite holding firm with 10 men following a first-half red card, Cerezo fall in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e10a044753bc4819a31746e6ad528c4f/0209MR.jpg" alt=""> Ahead of the season transition in the summer approaches, the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League kicked off as a special tournament. In the first round of the WEST Group Regional League, Cerezo Osaka faced Gamba Osaka at Yanmar Stadium Nagai. Before kickoff, both sets of supporters displayed stunning, high-quality tifo choreographies. The sight of the stadium packed with 42,101 spectators was nothing short of spectacular. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/f86a62a180e04df5a7599ffc3fe5a11d/0209MR%20(5).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> "Both teams fought aggressively and tough; it was truly a derby match," manager Arthur Papas reflected after the game. From the start, the determination of both sides to win clashed head-on. However, the match turned feisty early on, with Thiago Andrade booked in the 1st minute and Tokuma Suzuki in the 3rd. Cerezo struggled to take control in the first half. Against the aggressive defense of Gamba, led by new manager Jens Wissing, "We lost duels and let them take the momentum. They picked up many second balls and used that drive to push forward," Kyohei Noborizato noted. Gamba had golden opportunities in the 8th and 17th minutes but were denied by the post and crossbar. Cerezo, meanwhile, found it difficult to settle the ball in midfield and build attacks. Amidst this, Motohiko Nakajima, starting as the number 10, fought hard. In the 14th minute, he held off defenders with a powerful dribble before playing in Thiago on the left to create a chance. New signing Solomon Sakuragawa also showed his hold-up play up front, initiating a clear-cut chance in the 40th minute, though Hinata Kida’s resulting shot was thwarted by a fine save from goalkeeper Masaaki Higashiguchi. Just as Cerezo began to find their rhythm, disaster struck in the 41st minute. Hayato Tanaka’s tackle during a scramble for a second ball was deemed serious foul play, resulting in a straight red card. Until the end of the half, Shunta Tanaka dropped back as the team shifted into a [5-3-1] formation, prioritizing defense to reach halftime at 0-0. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/48110c02c5784b39af396126ae6c2343/0209MR%20(3).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/570da69171ae48f8972f3646fbda8387/0209MR%20(2).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> At the start of the second half, Papas introduced Reiya Sakata and Nelson Ishiwatari for Shion Homma and Thiago. Maintaining the [5-3-1] shape, Sakata occupied the right wing-back role while Ishiwatari sat in the center of the midfield three. Gamba continued to dominate possession, but Cerezo’s defense stayed resolute, clearing crosses and seeing goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon save long-range efforts. "Whether in set-piece defense or open play, we have added height this year, so we can reliably clear crosses. That is one of our strengths," said Shunta Tanaka. Jin Hyeon, who earned his opening-day start after a grueling pre-season camp, added, "We conceded too many last year. I played today with a strong desire to keep a clean sheet from the very first game." In the 63rd minute, Kyohei Yoshino replaced Kida, taking his place on the left of the back three, which allowed Shunta Tanaka to move back up into central midfield and Ishiwatari to shift to the left of the midfield trio. In the 71st minute, the attack was bolstered as new signing Kusini Yengi made his official debut. In the 78th minute, Yengi held up a throw-in in the opponent's half, and via Shunta Tanaka, Sakata managed a shot, showing Cerezo's intent to score even with 10 men. In the 84th minute, Gamba’s Takeru Kishimoto was sent off for a second yellow card. With the numbers leveled, both sides pushed for a winner, but the deadlock remained. Cerezo never switched off, throwing bodies on the line to block shots until the final whistle. "It was good that not a single player lost focus while defending. If we can maintain that same defensive quality with 11 men, we will be an even better team. We gained a lot from this," said Nakajima. While the team sat deep by necessity in this match, that tenacity in front of their own goal is something they aim to carry forward. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b91b8c9b73cb4b17b84c75b20fc34aa7/0209MR%20(1).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/3ce33ef56bf640169831e71752fdd98b/0209MR%20(7).jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, but under the special rules of the 100 Year Vision League, it proceeded to a penalty shootout. Cerezo kicked first, and both sides were clinical, with Nakajima smashing his effort down the middle as the first four takers for both teams converted. However, Cerezo’s fifth taker, Sakata, saw his effort strike the crossbar. Shuto Abe then converted Gamba’s fifth penalty to seal the result (Cerezo earned 1 point). This marked the first-ever Osaka Derby decided by a shootout. Despite the frustration, Cerezo will look to settle the score with a 90-minute victory in the away derby scheduled for April. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/c358355c8a084cd9b89206a1d986e83c/0209MR%20(4).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Gamba Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD1)

Cerezo Osaka announce that Kengo Furuyama has joined FC Imabari on loan. The loan period is until June 30, 2026. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"I have decided to join FC Imabari on loan. I have experienced both frustrating and happy times here. I will do my best so that I can score goals in front of you all once again. I would appreciate your continued support." <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3><h4 id="ha9c29754cc">Date of Birth</h4>July 11, 2002 <h4 id="h8b5fa66284">Place of Birth</h4>Osaka <h4 id="h11b1e8350c">Height / Weight</h4>178cm / 71kg<h4 id="h6ca73d845a"> Position</h4>Forward <h4 id="hbb49721568">Career</h4>IRIS Ikuno SS Rissho Shonan High School Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences Cerezo Osaka <h4 id="hc403e6f2b6">Player Data (Total)</h4>J1: 7 games / 2 goals League Cup: 3 games / 0 goal Emperor's Cup: 1 game / 1 goal

Kengo Furuyama joins FC Imabari on loan

Cerezo Osaka announce that Yuichi Hirano, whose contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, has joined Negeri Sembilan FC (Malaysia). <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"It has been a long time. I am sorry for not being able to say a proper goodbye to everyone. I wanted to share my thoughts now that my new team has been decided. For me, these two years were not satisfactory, and I feel very disappointed that I could not contribute more to Cerezo. I absolutely loved the atmosphere created by the Sakura pink that you all produce. Please continue to create that incredible atmosphere. I will keep fighting my way back up so that I can look back and say my two years at Cerezo made me a stronger person. Thank you for everything during this short period." <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth March 11, 1996 Place of Birth Tokyo Height / Weight 174cm / 68kg Position Midfielder Career Kinder Yoshimitsu SC Tokyo Verdy Junior Youth Kokugakuin Univ. Kugayama High School Kokushikan University Mito Hollyhock Urawa Reds Cerezo Osaka Player Data (Total) J1: 39 games / 0 goal J2: 68 games / 1 goal League Cup: 12 games / 1 goal Emperor's Cup: 11 games / 0 goal ACL: 2 games / 0 goal FUJIFILM SUPER CUP: 1 game / 0 goal

Yuichi Hirano joins Negeri Sembilan FC

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Yengi Kusini Boja has joined the club on loan from Aberdeen FC (Scotland). The loan period is until June 15, 2026. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"It is a great honor to join Cerezo Osaka. I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans and supporters, and to competing as a member of this historic club. I will do my best for the club." <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth January 15, 1999 Place of Birth Australia Nationality Australia Height / Weight 190cm / 93kg Position Forward Number 99 Career Adelaide Comets FC (Australia) Adelaide United FC (Australia) Western Sydney Wanderers FC (Australia) Portsmouth FC (England) Aberdeen FC (Scotland) National Team U-23 Australia Australia

Yengi Kusini Boja joins Cerezo Osaka on loan from Aberdeen FC

Cerezo Osaka announce that Vitor Bueno has completed a permanent transfer to Clube do Remo (Brazil). <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"I am truly grateful to my teammates, the staff, everyone involved with the club, and all the supporters for the unwavering support you have given me throughout my two years at Cerezo Osaka. During these two years, I was constantly thinking about what I needed to do to get more playing time, and I believe I have learned a lot in my own way. Although I am leaving the club, I will always support Cerezo Osaka. Muito obrigado!" <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth September 5, 1994 Place of Birth Brazil Height / Weight 185cm / 78kg Position Forward Career Botafogo SP (Brazil) Santos (Brazil) *Loan Santos (Brazil) Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) *Loan Sao Paulo (Brazil) Athletico Paranaense (Brazil) Cerezo Osaka Player Data (Domestic) J1: 38 games / 6 goals League Cup: 7 games / 4 goals Emperor's Cup: 3 games / 1 goal

Vitor Bueno completes permanent transfer to Clube do Remo

Cerezo Osaka announce that Yuichi Hirano's contract has expired at the end of the 2025 season. <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth March 11, 1996 Place of Birth Tokyo Height / Weight 174cm / 68kg Position Midfielder Career Kinder Yoshimitsu SC Tokyo Verdy Junior Youth Kokugakuin Univ. Kugayama High School Kokushikan University Mito Hollyhock Urawa Reds Cerezo Osaka Player Data (Total) J1: 39 games / 0 goal J2: 68 games / 1 goal League Cup: 12 games / 1 goal Emperor's Cup: 11 games / 0 goal ACL: 2 games / 0 goal FUJIFILM SUPER CUP: 1 game / 0 goal

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Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J1 100 Year Vision League MD3)

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Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Gamba Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD1)

Kengo Furuyama joins FC Imabari on loan

Yuichi Hirano joins Negeri Sembilan FC

Yengi Kusini Boja joins Cerezo Osaka on loan from Aberdeen FC

Vitor Bueno completes permanent transfer to Clube do Remo

Yuichi Hirano leaves the club following contract expiration

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Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Fagiano Okayama (J1 100 Year Vision League MD7)

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Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J1 100 Year Vision League MD3)

Review: Avispa Fukuoka vs Cerezo Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD2)

Review: Cerezo Osaka vs Gamba Osaka (J1 100 Year Vision League MD1)

Kengo Furuyama joins FC Imabari on loan

Yuichi Hirano joins Negeri Sembilan FC

Yengi Kusini Boja joins Cerezo Osaka on loan from Aberdeen FC

Vitor Bueno completes permanent transfer to Clube do Remo

Yuichi Hirano leaves the club following contract expiration

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