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

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

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

Kakeru Funaki joins Albirex Niigata

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

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

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

Jaroensak Wonggorn leaves Cerezo Osaka after loan expiration

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Cerezo Osaka 5-0 Arterivo Wakayama (Emperor's Cup 2nd Round)

<h3 id="h293e414097">Cerezo suffered a 0–4 away defeat in the second leg, which overturned the aggregate score and resulted in their elimination from this season's Levain Cup at the Playoff Round.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e7d2396f7f4e4aa7b911e4b276e0fbd8/0609MR.jpg" alt=""> The J.League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round against Yokohama FC continued with the second leg taking place three days after the first match at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. With a spot in the Prime Round on the line, Cerezo Osaka headed into the away fixture having made eight changes to the starting lineup. Kyohei Yoshino made his debut for the club, earning his first start and appearance since joining. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/09b595d3cc6642918257e81600bb09e7/0609MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> Following the first leg, manager Arthur Papas had stated, “We don’t want to sit back and defend. We want to express the kind of football we’ve been playing all season.” True to his words, Cerezo Osaka pushed their defensive line high from the start, pressing into Yokohama FC’s half and taking control of the game. They built attacks with quick passing sequences and combinations, earning four corners and two free kicks in dangerous positions within the first 15 minutes. Despite it being his first appearance, Yoshino blended in smoothly. “I felt more in sync with Motohiko (Nakajima), Hatanaka, and Ryuya (Nishio) than I expected,” he later reflected, showing no signs of hesitation as he slotted into the team. Looking back, converting one of those early chances might have made the overall tie all but settled in Cerezo’s favor. After the 15-minute mark, Yokohama FC began threatening from the left flank through Kaili Shimbo’s crosses and dribbles, but Cerezo’s defense held firm, preventing any shots on goal. In the 28th minute, Cerezo created their best chance of the half: after sustained pressure, Thiago Andrade cut inside and delivered a cross to the far post, which Rafael Ratao headed back across goal for Lucas Fernandes to strike—only for the effort to be blocked by a defender and the goalkeeper. As the half progressed, Cerezo continued to dominate possession, pinning Yokohama FC back in their own half. While clear-cut chances were few, Cerezo were firmly in control of the game and looked set to head into halftime on top. But just before the break, disaster struck. A long ball over the top from Shimbo caught out the Cerezo defense, and goalkeeper Koki Fukui misjudged his clearance, colliding with Kaito Mori in the box. The referee showed Fukui a straight red card and awarded a penalty. Substitute Kim Jin Hyeon, brought on in a hurry, guessed the right direction and got a hand to the spot kick, but couldn’t keep it out. Cerezo ended the half a man down and a goal behind. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/5aa0cfbabb714f448d61e6442a51e276/0609MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b0bea9e270ad4442908f654fe29833d5/0609MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> At the start of the second half, manager Papas brought on Ryosuke Shindo in place of Thiago, shifting to a 5-3-1 formation to strengthen the back line and clearly signal an intent to deal with Yokohama FC’s aerial threat. With fewer players up front, Cerezo’s pressing intensity naturally dropped, allowing Yokohama FC more opportunities to push the ball forward. Even so, Cerezo’s defense, anchored by Kim Jin Hyeon, held firm with tenacious play. Apart from a headed effort that struck the post in the 68th minute, they limited Yokohama FC’s clear chances and managed the clock effectively. In the 71st minute, Cerezo introduced Kengo Furuyama and Hinata Kida to help retain possession up front and in midfield. Furuyama, in particular, drew fouls with his physical play, helping to run down the clock. Despite being under pressure, Cerezo appeared to be weathering the storm—until the 84th minute. A second-phase attack from a corner resulted in another goal for Yokohama FC. A precise cross from Akito Fukumori was met by Yuri Lara, who headed home to make it 2–0 on the night. Just two minutes later, Papas responded by replacing Yoshino with Kakeru Funaki, switching to a six-man back line in an attempt to see out the tie. However, in the 89th minute, disaster struck again. Fukumori delivered another cross from the left, and though the far side was manned, the clearance failed to come. Musashi Suzuki latched on to it at the back post and bundled it in—3–0. In a gut-wrenching twist, Cerezo had conceded the decisive blow just minutes away from advancing. “We need to become a team that can see out a match even with one man down. In the end, our weakness showed,” said Shinnosuke Hatanaka, who battled valiantly throughout the match, reflecting on the painful late collapse. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/b61272378e8a4deb8d5b1b7ac5b24b4f/0609MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/407d7f1ec375409ca4e4241e002b6473/0609MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> With the aggregate score tied at 4-4 after two legs, the match went into extra time. From the start, Cerezo replaced Kyohei Noborizato with Shinji Kagawa, shifting the defense back from six to five players while adding more presence in midfield. In the first half of extra time, Nakajima made a strong defensive play to win the ball and passed it forward to Furuyama, who battled a defender inside the penalty area but couldn’t get a shot off. Then, just before the end of the first half of extra time, Yokohama FC scored from a corner kick. Solomon Sakuragawa, a tall striker who had come on in the second half, headed the ball into the net. In the second half of extra time, Cerezo increased ball possession and pressed forward against a more defensive Yokohama FC, earning three more corner kicks. A header by Funaki from a Lucas cross narrowly missed, going over the crossbar. Cerezo continued to push forward with Lucas at the center of the attack, but despite their efforts, they failed to create any clear-cut chances before the full 120 minutes elapsed. The playoff round ended with a 4-5 aggregate loss for Cerezo. Kagawa described the defeat as “a loss that pains everyone,” and with just two days until the Emperor’s Cup second round, each player must raise their head and prepare to move forward. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/5e9f27f7fb1947fbbd9c6db68f7b6cab/0609MR%20(6).jpg" alt="">

Review: Yokohama FC 4-0 Cerezo Osaka (Levain Cup Playoff Round 2nd Leg)

Cerezo Osaka can confirm that Sota Kitano has joined FC Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) on a permanent deal. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"I’ve decided to join Red Bull Salzburg. Everything I wanted to say, I shared with you at our home game. I’m grateful to everyone I met at Cerezo Osaka. I’ll do my best to repay all the support! Thank you for the past 10 years!!" <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth August 13, 2004 Position Forward Height / Weight 172cm / 60kg Place of Birth Wakayama Career Cerezo Osaka Elite Class Kishiwada Arterivo Yuasa Cerezo Osaka U-15 Cerezo Osaka U-18 Cerezo Osaka *Registered as a Class-2 player Cerezo Osaka Player Data J1: 68 games / 8 goals J3: 8 games / 0 goal League Cup: 19 games / 3 goals Emperor's Cup: 4 games / 2 goals <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/0c253182b5e246859b0533c2c6683f7d/1920%C3%971080.jpg" alt="">

Sota Kitano joins FC Red Bull Salzburg

<h3 id="h570444b8cb">The Playoff Round first leg saw Cerezo secure a comfortable win, with Shinji Kagawa’s opener leading to a total of four second-half goals, moving them closer to the Prime Round.</h3><img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/257a5664ff5d43c89e5bbf3593029126/0605MR%20(5).jpg" alt=""> Two days after their Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchweek 19 fixture against Shimizu S-Pulse, Cerezo Osaka faced Yokohama FC in the first leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round. Compared to the Shimizu match, Cerezo made ten changes to their starting lineup, with only Thiago Andrade retaining his place. Takumi Nakamura, who joined Cerezo on a permanent deal from Yokohama FC this season, also started. On the bench was Wigi Kanemoto, currently enrolled at Hannan University and set to join Cerezo. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/e1b56f2efd494043b80fac75f7efe5e5/0605MR.jpg" alt=""> Cerezo Osaka lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Yokohama FC deployed a 3-4-2-1 system, creating a tactical mismatch between the two sides. In the 4th minute, Yokohama FC launched an attack down their left flank, putting pressure on Cerezo’s defense. Cerezo responded quickly; in the 6th minute, Vítor Bueno, positioned on the right wing, delivered a sharp cross. Both teams focused their attacks from the wings, attempting to break through the opposition’s defense. In the 16th minute, Cerezo had a clear chance. Takumi Nakamura’s cross was initially bypassed by Masaya Shibayama and Kengo Furuyama, allowing Thiago Andrade on the left side to take a shot, but the effort was blocked by goalkeeper Phelipe Megiolaro. Three minutes later, in the 19th minute, another good opportunity arose for Cerezo. Nakamura penetrated deep on the right side and crossed the ball to Bueno, who attempted a shot, but it flew directly into the goalkeeper’s hands. In the 28th minute, Cerezo had a big chance again. Shinji Kagawa, surrounded by three defenders, managed to deliver a pass to Bueno, who then crossed to Furuyama. Furuyama headed the ball, but his shot missed the target, denying Cerezo the opening goal. While Cerezo created several chances, Yokohama FC also threatened the goal repeatedly. Thanks to some excellent saves by goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon, Cerezo managed to keep a clean sheet. Then, in the 40th minute, the biggest chance of the first half came for Cerezo. Furuyama took a pass from Nakamura, dribbled past the defense, and faced the goalkeeper one-on-one. However, the angle was tight, and his shot narrowly missed the goal. Furuyama’s frustration was evident as he was denied his first home goal. Immediately after, Yokohama FC had a chance of their own, but their shot just missed the target. Despite both teams creating chances, the first half ended goalless at 0-0. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/51d4b896d3574cd18b5270f16e2902ec/0605MR%20(4).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/8f0f43c1656a4db8ab9df804baca0200/0605MR%20(3).jpg" alt=""> At halftime, manager Arthur Papas expressed his dissatisfaction with the first half, saying, “We didn’t talk about tactics at all. I only told them to focus on intensity and to give their best effort.” Motivated by Papas’ "emotional" (as described by Kagawa) encouragement, Cerezo Osaka players stepped up their game in the second half. They pressed higher up the pitch and showed increased determination to score. In the 55th minute, Cerezo took the lead. After intercepting a long clearance from the opposing goalkeeper, Nakamura launched a quick counterattack. The ball was passed through Bueno and Shibayama before Shinji Kagawa, making a run from deep, finished with an outside right-footed shot. The technical strike from the No. 8 ignited the crowd at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. Sensing the momentum shift, Papas made two substitutions in the 61st minute to push for more aggression, bringing on Lucas Fernandes and Rafael Ratao for Thiago Andrade and Kengo Furuyama. The changes paid off: in the 68th minute, Lucas and Ratao combined with a quick one-two to penetrate the box, where Lucas earned a free kick. Bueno stepped up and scored directly from the set piece, extending Cerezo’s lead with a brilliant kick he described as one of his strengths. Cerezo added another goal in stoppage time of the second half, with Ratao scoring. Although Yokohama FC pulled one back in the 90+6 minute from a corner, Motohiko Nakajima headed in a cross from Lucas just before the final whistle to restore a three-goal advantage. With this commanding win on enemy turf, Cerezo Osaka gained a significant advantage heading into the crucial second leg for a spot in the Prime Round. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/23cb5bc970884486b606800082851086/0605MR%20(2).jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/7e21b0a7282549c3a1f9c102e887971d/0605MR%20(1).jpg" alt=""> However, there was no smile on the manager’s face after the match. “The most important thing, simply put, is to never forget aggressiveness. I still see this as halftime. We must reset our mindset firmly, and the key will be how much we can perform in the second leg,” he said, tightening his resolve despite the victory. Kagawa, who led the team from the front and scored the opening goal, expressed a similar sentiment: “I expect another tough away match next. We want to correct the issues from today’s first half and build on that,” he said with a focused expression, sharing his determination for the second leg. While it is certain that they have made significant progress toward advancing past the Playoff Round, nothing has yet been decided. The team aims to face the second leg on enemy ground without letting their guard down. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/cc125679249b4055b70b8d540ec6636a/48b8c791cf674267a063bb6e95bb629f/0605MR%20(6).jpg" alt="">

Review: Cerezo Osaka 4-1 Yokohama FC (Levain Cup Playoff Round 1st Leg)

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Dion Cools has joined the club from Buriram United FC (Thailand) on a permanent deal. He&nbsp;has been selected for the Malaysia national team for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. He will be on international duty starting June 5 and is scheduled to join the club upon the conclusion of his national team commitments. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"I’m truly happy to have the opportunity to come to Japan and Osaka, and I’m very grateful for this chance. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff, and all the fans and supporters as soon as possible. I will give my all to help the team win as many games as possible and achieve our goals. Thank you for your support.” <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth June 4, 1996 Position Defender Number 27 Height / Weight 185cm / 77kg Place of Birth Malaysia Nationality Malaysia Career OH Leuven (Belgium) Club Brugge (Belgium) FC Midtjylland (Denmark) SV Zulte Waregem (Belgium) *Loan FK Baumit Jablonec (Czech Republic) Buriram United FC (Thailand) National Team U-18 Belgium U-19 Belgium U-21 Belgium Malaysia

Dion Cools joins Cerezo Osaka from Buriram United FC

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Kyohei Yoshino has joined the club from Daegu FC (South Korea) on a permanent deal. <h3 id="hf9070a5ba3">Comments</h3>"Hello, everyone. I am Kyohei Yoshino and I have joined from Daegu FC in South Korea. I will give my all every day to contribute to Cerezo Osaka. Thank you for your support.” <h3 id="hee3eba2108">Profile</h3>Date of Birth November 8, 1994 Position Midfielder Number 35 Height / Weight 182cm / 75kg Place of Birth Miyagi Career FC. ASK A. C. Azzurri Tokyo Verdy Youth Tokyo Verdy Sanfrecce Hiroshima Tokyo Verdy *Loan Sanfrecce Hiroshima Kyoto Sanga F.C. *Loan Sanfrecce Hiroshima Kyoto Sanga F.C. *Loan Sanfrecce Hiroshima Vegalta Sendai Yokohama FC Daegu FC (South Korea) National Team U-16 Japan U-17 Japan U-18 Japan U-19 Japan U-21 Japan Player Data (Domestic) J1: 105 games / 3 goals J2: 93 games / 4 goals J3: 5 games / 0 goal League Cup: 14 games / 0 goal Emperor's Cup: 12 games / 0 goal ACL: 7 games / 0 goal J1 Promotion Playoff: 1 game / 0 goal

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