<h3 id="hfb4b951ca9">After a lightning delay, Cerezo erupted in the 2nd half with 4 goals to complete a comeback and finally claimed 3 points away from home.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/4aae1ff2b28e4ee8a216d16c8cf49ab3/0915MR.jpg" alt=""> After 12 days since their previous match—a 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima where they held the upper hand—Cerezo Osaka returned to action in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League following the international break. Traveling away, they faced Avispa Fukuoka in Matchweek 29. The starting XI was unchanged from the Hiroshima game. Ryosuke Shindo returned to the squad for the first time in eight league matches, while Shion Homma, who missed the previous match, and Shunta Tanaka, who had been left out just before kickoff, were both named to the bench. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e7f748896d594211a7d0555def95e23b/0915MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> In the 8th minute, Cerezo were broken through on the left and conceded a cross that led to a clear chance, but Rikito Inoue twice cleared the ball in front of goal. With superb covering play from No. 31, Cerezo prevented the opener. From there, Cerezo began creating chances in succession. In the 9th minute, Masaya Shibayama sparked a counter, releasing Thiago Andrade who surged forward at speed and cut inside before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that flew just wide. Against Fukuoka’s flexible build-up, Cerezo struck back with counters in the 12th and 15th minutes, winning the ball well and moving quickly into finishing positions, though Shinji Kagawa could not convert either attempt. In the 20th minute, after a sharp vertical sequence from goalkeeper Koki Fukui through Kyohei Yoshino and Shibayama, Thiago broke down the left to deliver a cross, but no teammate could meet it. As the rain intensified midway through the half, Fukuoka seized the initiative after the hydration break. “We could no longer press aggressively in defense,” manager Arthur Papas noted, as Fukuoka pushed forward and created threats from the flanks. Still, in the 37th minute, Inoue again came to the rescue with a clearance to deny Itsuki Oda’s header, and in the 40th, Fukui produced a big save to stop Kazuki Fujimoto’s shot. Yet in the 41st minute, Tomoya Miki struck a powerful effort from a short corner to put Fukuoka ahead. In first-half stoppage time, Lucas Fernandes tried his luck with a direct free kick, only to be denied by goalkeeper Yuma Obata’s fine save. Moments later, thunder rolled across the night sky, and with the risk of lightning, referee Yoshimi Yamashita suspended play. After about 35 minutes, the match resumed, and the remainder of stoppage time was played out before the halftime whistle. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/830b527f345f45789148557edfa921a7/0915MR%20(8).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/2c226d5ca1eb4ec7b6e0196991cb768b/0915MR%20(10).jpg" alt=""> After a first half in which Cerezo went from creating numerous chances to losing the initiative and conceding the opener, manager Papas said at halftime, “I clearly told the players what we need to do and what we need to correct.” Reaffirming their aggressive approach from the front in both attack and defense, Cerezo equalized in the 54th minute. Shinnosuke Hatanaka and Ayumu Ohata combined on the left side to pull the opposition out of position, and Motohiko Nakajima received Ohata’s pass and immediately sent the ball into space on the left. Thiago made a run, outpacing the defenders with his exceptional speed, and delivered a left-footed cross to the center, where Shibayama finished. Using his non-dominant right foot, he positioned himself to strike “like an inside pass” and guided the ball into the net. Ten minutes later, Shibayama scored again to complete the turnaround. Lucas’s cross was headed by Thiago, but after the goalkeeper parried it, Shibayama followed up and finished with the outside of his left foot. It was his first multi-goal match since joining Cerezo. He revealed, “In the pre-match meeting, the boss (manager Papas) told us, ‘If you get into the box, you can score two today.’ I focused on sprinting into the box,” perfectly fulfilling his manager’s prediction. Cerezo didn’t stop there. In the 77th minute, a similar build-up saw Shunta Tanaka send a precise pass into space behind the defense to utilize Thiago’s speed, and Rafael Ratao, making a late run, finished from Thiago’s cross. In the 80th minute, Takaaki Shichi delivered a cross to Shintaro Nago for a volleyed goal, but the ball had already crossed the goal line before the cross, so the goal was disallowed. Manager Papas made three substitutions in the 83rd minute. Shindo, making his return, also stepped onto the pitch. In the 89th minute, Cerezo scored their fourth goal. Hinata Kida sent a long ball forward, the opposition defender miscontrolled it, and Ratao picked it up, dribbling before firing a powerful shot into the near post. In stoppage time, Wellington scored a header from a corner, but Cerezo held on to secure a 4-2 comeback victory. Papas’s insistence on winning away was realized in a thrilling goal rush. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/12fb1ef1d7ac44ecaf92ecbe4ad23271/0915MR%20(9).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e578fe922d224aa5b13b6e1ed94d2740/0915MR%20(12).jpg" alt=""> Manager Papas said, “In the second half, the team played the kind of football I wanted to see. The pressing was aggressive, and we saw many plays that led to goals, so I want to give credit for that.” While the two goals conceded from set pieces remain an issue, the comeback victory demonstrated the attacking football the team has been working on this season. Shinji Kagawa also reflected with a bright expression, “It was amazing as a team to score four goals. This victory came as a result of everyone working hard and fighting until the end.” From the next match, Cerezo will face three top-tier opponents in a row—Kashiwa Reysol, Kashima Antlers, and Kyoto Sanga F.C.—and they aim to fully showcase the strength they have built this season and continue racking up victories. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6db0441c53ee4184b2bdb0d5ac7976ac/0915MR%20(1).jpg" alt="">

Review: Avispa Fukuoka 2-4 Cerezo Osaka (J1 MD29)

<h3 id="hca21682476">Cerezo showed solid play in attack and defense, with Lucas Fernandes scoring from the spot, but couldn’t find a second goal and had to settle for a draw.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/5750bfaf5c0e4a7483c471f32b3b4943/0902MR%20(6).jpg" alt=""> Seven days after their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Vissel Kobe, Cerezo Osaka once again returned home to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the 28th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. There were two changes to the starting lineup from the Kobe match: Shion Homma was absent due to illness, with Thiago Andrade returning to the lineup for the first time in two matches, while Shunta Tanaka, who had initially been announced as a starter, was left out just before kickoff due to “knee discomfort” (according to manager Arthur Papas), and Masaya Shibayama was included in the starting eleven. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/97a9381a81804528b86246bce5a55717/0902MR.jpg?w=1920&amp;h=1079" alt=""> Just one minute into the match, Hiroshima picked up a second ball from a long pass, and Ryo Germain fired the first shot of the game. In the 4th and 8th minutes, Cerezo lost passes in their own half and faced danger, but the defenders responded calmly without giving away any clear chances. In the 8th minute, Cerezo created a chance on the counterattack when Shibayama carried the ball forward and combined with Lucas Fernandes to threaten the goal. After a slightly pressured start, Cerezo gradually took control of possession and began to dictate the game. In the 32nd minute, they broke the deadlock. Shinji Kagawa intercepted a pass in midfield and linked with Kyohei Yoshino and Thiago to launch a short counter. Yoshino slipped through a pass to Thiago, who coolly assessed the situation inside before sending the ball across, where Lucas was brought down by a defender as he cut in from the far side. Cerezo won a penalty, and Lucas himself converted to give the team the lead in the 35th minute. Riding the momentum, Cerezo created another big chance in the 38th minute. Shibayama floated a pass forward, Thiago outmuscled a defender to break free with his pace, and carried the ball into the box, but his shot aiming for the near post in a one-on-one with the keeper was denied by a brilliant save from Keisuke Osako. Cerezo endured Hiroshima’s pressure toward the end of the first half by defending bravely, and went into the break with a one-goal lead. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/75bdd9e1444746c3a4805b95d41636a8/0902MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ea3fb7bfeb72403c9a01a5e9d7d56ff2/0902MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> At halftime, Hiroshima made two substitutions to add energy to their attack and adjust their back three, but the first chance of the second half still fell to Cerezo. In the 49th minute, Thiago latched onto a through ball from Yoshino, broke down the left, and cut the ball back inside, but it didn’t lead to a shot. In the 59th minute, Cerezo created another opportunity on the counter, as Motohiko Nakajima—starting again as the lone striker following the previous match—turned and fired, but his effort was saved by Osako. From around this point, Hiroshima began to dominate possession, pushing Cerezo deeper into their own half and forcing them to endure a spell of pressure. In the 64th minute, a cross from Hiroshima’s left was parried away by goalkeeper Koki Fukui, only for the rebound to be collected and fired home from distance by Hayao Kawabe. However, the goal was disallowed for offside, as Kosuke Kinoshita had been flagged when reacting to the initial cross. Looking to regain momentum, Cerezo made a double substitution in the 66th minute, bringing on Rafael Ratao and Reiya Sakata to refresh the front line. Even so, Hiroshima equalized in the 72nd minute. Naoto Arai’s free kick was headed back across goal at the far post, and Kinoshita bundled the ball in. Moments later, Cerezo nearly conceded again from a corner when Sho Sasaki met it with a header, but they survived. Cerezo responded strongly in the 77th minute, creating a clear chance. Lucas won the ball high up the pitch, carried it forward on the dribble, and laid it off, setting up a move that broke Hiroshima’s defense wide open. But Ratao’s shot was once again denied by a brilliant save from Osako, preventing a go-ahead goal. In the closing stages, the match opened up with both teams chasing a second goal. In stoppage time, approaching the announced eight additional minutes, Cerezo nearly snatched the winner. A flowing move saw Lucas, Ratao, Nakajima, and Hinata Kida combine before Sakata received Kida’s pass inside the box. From his favored angle, he curled a shot on target, only to see it cleared away by Japan international center-back Hayato Araki. Unable to convert any of their three major chances, Cerezo had to settle for a frustrating 1–1 draw. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8ddbf2525eb347a4af05eadcc3333efb/0902MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d149473acd4f44dcb44e1ed49c32e8dd/0902MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> Cerezo Osaka entered this match with a strong determination. “In recent years, we as a club have experienced many frustrating moments against Hiroshima. It’s not about personal feelings, but as a club, we want to deliver victories to our fans and supporters,” said Kagawa. Despite being faced with a pre-match accident, the team pushed Hiroshima to the brink, but victory eluded them. Reflecting on the match, manager Papas said, “Both teams fought to win. Our performance was good, but I think what decided this match was the quality of the opposing goalkeeper.” Thiago, whose clear chances were denied, said, “There are parts where we can only praise the opponent’s goalkeeper, but I also want to improve my own finishing.” Ratao also vowed, “We will win the next match.” In the three consecutive top-table matches in August, Cerezo drew twice and lost once, unable to secure a win. Still, the team aims to accept everything — what they achieved and the challenges that remain — and carry it forward into the matches from September onward. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8d88b9bd7c914379a7505021b92006f6/0902MR%20(5).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 1-1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J1 MD28)

<h3 id="h80a992990b">Cerezo Osaka regained their style and showed a positive mentality in attack and defense. Though victory was just out of reach, they stood toe-to-toe with champions Vissel Kobe and earned a valuable point.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/6ab5a90389f8459da01e102de32951a4/0826MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> Six days after suffering a 0–3 defeat to FC Machida Zelvia in the previous round, Cerezo Osaka returned home to face Vissel Kobe in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Round 27. There were four changes from the starting lineup against Machida: Ayumu Ohata and Kyohei Yoshino both made their first league starts since joining the club, Shion Homma returned to the lineup for the first time in two matches since Round 25 against Niigata, and Shinji Kagawa started for the first time in three matches since Round 24 against Shonan. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/d1355ecabbb34db0b251580d947c4684/0826MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> Right from the start, Cerezo lost the ball on the back line and were hit on a short counter, giving Kobe a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, but Jean Patric’s shot was denied by Koki Fukui. Thanks to a big save from their keeper, Cerezo avoided conceding early. In the 2nd minute, Kobe again threatened through a long ball that created danger on the flank, but Cerezo held firm, and in the 9th minute they created a big chance of their own. Yoshino won the ball in midfield, Kagawa and Homma combined to break down the left side, and Ohata delivered a cross that Lucas Fernandes attacked at the far post. He could not get a shot away, but it was a brilliant sequence of play. In the 12th minute, another high press led to a short counter: Kagawa slipped through a final pass to Lucas, who fired on goal, but his effort was blocked by a defender. In the middle stages, Kobe threatened with long balls and set pieces, but Cerezo held out until the drinks break. Controlling more of the possession, Cerezo went close again in the 32nd minute when the lively Homma cut in from the left and unleashed a shot that flew just over the bar. They finally broke through in the 35th minute. Starting from Fukui, the team patiently built from the back, evading Kobe’s press and progressing to the right side. Lucas carried the ball inside from the flank and switched play to the far side, where Homma received in the box and calmly squared for Kagawa to finish with his left foot. Remarkably, ten players were involved and 20 passes were strung together in the move that led to the goal. Reflecting on the sequence, Fukui said proudly: “This kind of football cannot be played alone. It only works when everyone is connected. The goal came as a result of our training and our belief in the style.” <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/96d906f1777242abadbb398bab0fd4f2/0826MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/ff1a6fade4d649328e9041da18883ead/0826MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> At halftime, Kobe made a double substitution, bringing on star striker Yuya Osako and Erik to add variety and depth to their attack. However, the first clear chance of the second half fell to Cerezo. In the 47th minute, they broke down the right side, and Lucas delivered a cross from Kagawa’s pass that Shunta Tanaka met with a header, only for it to sail agonizingly over the crossbar. Immediately afterward, though, Kobe struck from a goal kick. Daiya Maekawa’s long ball was contested by Erik, and when Osako picked up the second ball, he slipped a through pass to Erik, who finished the one-on-one with the keeper. It was precisely the kind of second-ball threat from long balls that Cerezo had most wanted to avoid, but on this occasion, they were undone by Kobe’s individual quality. That was the only real chance Kobe created in the second half. Captain Tanaka admitted afterward, “We had to prevent that,” showing his frustration. Still, Cerezo did not let the equalizer affect them and kept pushing forward, repeatedly creating danger from the left side on the counter. In the 59th minute, Homma combined with Kagawa and Yoshino before Motohiko Nakajima fired a shot. The No. 13, who started as the lone striker in place of the suspended Rafael Ratao, had another big chance seven minutes later, meeting Ohata’s cross with a perfectly timed header that was brilliantly saved by Maekawa. In the 82nd minute, Cerezo broke through again on the left, and substitute Yo Kida struck from inside the box, but his effort was blocked by a defender. Holding firm against Kobe’s threats while continuing to press for a winner, Cerezo could not find a decisive goal, and the match ended 1-1. A heated Kansai derby concluded with the two sides sharing the points. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/db48588b366644f2879b4277b12139bb/0826MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/44894bfccecb41c28fa1e34b36004735/0826MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> “Both teams fought until the very end, each aiming for the win. It was a match where two different styles of football clashed. Throughout the game, I thought our players did very well in showing what they wanted to do,” reflected manager Papas. Cerezo held their ground even in duels, which are a strong point for Kobe, and new signings such as Yoshino and Ohata were active on the pitch. Showing a rebound mentality after the heavy defeat in the previous match was a positive takeaway. On the other hand, given that Kobe had played two consecutive away matches with just two days’ rest, it was certainly a match that Cerezo wanted to win at home, both in terms of result and overall performance. Looking ahead to the next game, when they will host Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Kagawa said, “We want the result, and winning is what matters most.” The team will spend the week preparing together to capture all three points from Hiroshima, a recent nemesis. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/cf1669a567ed4b238fe474a57113c826/0826MR.jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 1-1 Vissel Kobe (J1 MD27)

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Eiji Kubo has joined the club. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"Hello! I am Eiji Kubo, wearing number 26. I am very happy to be joining Cerezo Osaka. I will do my best every day to contribute as a member of Cerezo Osaka and help the team achieve victories as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!" <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth September 2, 2007 Position Midfielder Number 26 Height / Weight 180cm / 73kg Place of Birth Kanagawa Career Yokohama F. Marinos Primary Yokohama F. Marinos U-15 Junior Youth Real Sociedad Youth (Spain) Real Sociedad Juvenil B (Spain)

Eiji Kubo joins Cerezo Osaka

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Ken Isibor will be joining the club as a new signing for the 2026 season. He has been registered as a Class-2 player this season, making him eligible to participate in official J.League matches. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>“I am Ken Isibor, and I will be promoted from Cerezo Osaka U-18 to the first team starting from the 2026 season. To the teammates and coaching staff of my former team who taught me the joy of football when I was still inexperienced, to the manager and coaches who guided me to Cerezo Osaka and trained me from the ground up even though I had no experience as a goalkeeper, and to the club staff who gave me a new chance even though I am still far from complete, and also to the members of Hanasaka Club and my family who have supported and cheered for me — I will do my best every day so that I can show myself on the pitch and contributing as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support!" <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3><h4 id="ha9c29754cc">Date of Birth</h4>August 29, 2007 <h4 id="h8b5fa66284">Place of Birth</h4>Osaka <h4 id="h11b1e8350c">Height / Weight</h4>195cm / 82kg<h4 id="h6ca73d845a"> Position</h4>Goalkeeper <h4 id="hbb49721568">Career</h4>Osaka Football Club Nakaizuo JSC Cerezo Osaka U-15 Cerezo Osaka U-18 Cerezo Osaka *Registered as a Class-2 player

Ken Isibor joins Cerezo Osaka for the 2026 season

<h3 id="hbfd07bb42f">Cerezo, aiming for revenge and a climb up the table, fell 0-3 to FC Machida Zelvia after conceding twice in the first half and failing to hit back.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/1f20e90ad496460081ec65d37a452fa1/0818MR.jpg" alt=""> Coming off their first league victory in three matches against Albirex Niigata four days earlier, Cerezo Osaka traveled away to face FC Machida Zelvia in the 26th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. There were two changes to the starting lineup from the Niigata match: Masaya Shibayama and Shion Homma made way, with Rafael Ratao and Thiago Andrade starting. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/7890548466d44fa4b1c9a659b440b4a1/0818MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> As a countermeasure against Machida’s right wing-back Henry Heroki Mochizuki, who often pushed high and wide and was targeted with long balls, Cerezo set up in a [5-4-1] shape out of possession with Shunta Tanaka dropping into the back line to form a back three when defending. “(The opponents) leave a player wide on the outside, so we wanted to line up with five (at the back) to immediately match up against their wing-backs when the ball was switched,” explained manager Arthur Papas after the match. Cerezo had been punished by wing-backs several times before when facing teams that play with a back three. Mochizuki, in particular, stands at 192cm, making it an unfavorable matchup for Hayato Okuda to slide over and deal with him. The tactical adjustment was understandable, but from the outset the back line sank too deep, leaving Cerezo sitting in an overly defensive block. That meant the front line could not press, allowing Machida to advance the ball easily and forcing Cerezo onto the back foot. They were spared in the 8th minute when a goal was disallowed for offside, but conceded in the 22nd: Yuki Soma broke through and delivered a cross, Thiago’s attempted clearance was incomplete, and Na Sang Ho pounced with a fierce strike from distance. Again, the defensive line had dropped too deep, closing down far too late. Goalkeeper Koki Fukui, facing his former club, kept out Yuta Nakayama’s long-range effort in the 35th minute, but in the 42nd, a single vertical pass from Gen Shoji split the defense and Kotaro Hayashi finished for Machida’s second. Against such a resolute defensive side, trailing by two goals at halftime was a heavy blow. On the attacking side, Cerezo also struggled. “As soon as we won the ball, our transition was too heavy at the back and we couldn’t generate the forward thrust we needed,” admitted Shinnosuke Hatanaka. In possession, Cerezo returned to their usual [4-2-3-1], with Motohiko Nakajima starting as the attacking midfielder. He managed two efforts on goal, but overall the team failed to display the attacking identity of “Papas Cerezo” in the first 45 minutes. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/9e52797d3cfd4e65b70ce7088127cf39/0818MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/421d0d8845c74ad38fa3da6752d41eec/0818MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> Chasing two goals in the second half, manager Papas substituted Nakajima and Hinata Kida for Shinji Kagawa and Kyohei Yoshino, returning to Cerezo’s usual style of play. With Cerezo now on the offensive and Machida sitting back with a two-goal lead, the early stages of the second half saw Cerezo mounting a relentless attack. In the 53rd minute, Yoshino won the ball high up the pitch, quickly feeding it forward to Tanaka, who combined with Ratao in a one-two with Thiago Andrade to create a clear chance, but the shot was saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Another opportunity came from a short-corner variation on the following set piece, connecting Thiago, Kagawa, and Tanaka before Ratao once again had a chance, only for the shot to be blocked by a defender. In the 60th minute, Ratao received a through ball from Lucas Fernandes and had another chance, but was denied once more by Tani. “Cerezo showed good reactions in the second half. There were three big chances, and if we had managed to score, the game could have been very different,” manager Papas reflected. Despite the opportunity to change the match’s outcome, Machida held firm, and in the 64th minute, the tall Oh Se Hun and Keiya Sento were brought on. In the 79th minute, a cross from Soma found Oh Se Hun, who scored Machida’s third goal, effectively deciding the match. Cerezo continued to fight until the final whistle. Before conceding the third goal, Homma and Ayumu Ohata, playing on the left side, attempted to break through the defense with coordinated runs. Making his debut for Cerezo, Ohata said, “I’m good at linking up in tight spaces to create openings, and I want to continue showing that.” In the 87th minute, Reiya Sakata replaced Fernandes. Cerezo repeatedly reached Machida’s goal in the second half, but could not find the crucial goal. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/5b7c6c8e2cfd48e2bd63e178047b5eef/0818MR%20(7).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/f258552e9d49438f91571e5479904a76/0818MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> About four months had passed since the previous meeting. Although Cerezo wanted to show the growth achieved during that period—earning 24 points in 12 league matches—the team suffered a complete defeat, feeling the full force of Machida’s momentum, which had won ten consecutive official matches, as manager Papas pointed out that there were “many scenes where we lost” in duels, a point he highlighted before the match. However, there is no time to hang heads. “Next is Vissel (Kobe), and after that Sanfrecce (Hiroshima). Teams similar (to Machida) will continue, so it is important as a team to make use of this loss. We must not repeat the same mistakes and have no choice but to accept today’s defeat and move forward,” Kagawa said. In August, with a series of high-intensity opponents, the lessons from this match need to be carried into the next games. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/dd87d9224ebd4dadb6ec85dd261a546a/0818MR%20(6).jpg" alt="">

Review: FC Machida Zelvia 3-0 Cerezo Osaka (J1 MD26)

<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="">

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