In a tightly contested match in the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup, Cerezo Osaka edged past Kamatamare Sanuki with a 1-0 victory. The game, which took place on March 20, 2025, at Pikara Stadium, saw Cerezo Osaka’s Thiago Andrade score the only goal of the match in the first half.
Kamatamare Sanuki, currently sitting fifth in the J3 League with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, came into the match with high hopes following their strong performance this season. Their manager, Takashi Miki, emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of motivation while facing a team from a higher division. "We have to approach this match with great mentality and focus," he stated before the match. His players understood the challenge ahead, aiming to take full advantage of their home ground.
The match kicked off at 14:00 and continued to draw an eager crowd, despite the usual hurdles teams face in knockout tournaments. Referee Isao Shimizu officiated over the match, guiding both teams through a physically demanding game. Cerezo Osaka, known for their attacking style, presented several opportunities, pressuring Sanuki's defense.
In contrast, Cerezo Osaka struggled in their recent league outings, having recorded only 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses out of their first six games, putting them in 18th place prior to this match. However, they had previously showcased their scoring ability with a 5-2 defeat of Gamba Osaka earlier in the season.
Coach Arthur Papas spoke candidly about his team's needed improvement, pointing out that fixing their defense was crucial. Before the match, he commented, "We need to work on our defensive structure to avoid spilling goals, especially after not successfully stopping multiple shots in our last game against Yokohama FC, where we lost." His remarks reflected a vital call for the team to sharpen their focus as they moved into this knockout stage.
As the first half commenced, Cerezo's Thiago Andrade found the net at just the 21-minute mark, sending ripples of excitement among their fans. The goal came after a carefully orchestrated attack, which had been a focal point for Papas in practice sessions. They managed to capitalize on an error from Sanuki’s defense, catching them off guard.
Sanuki did not lose heart, pressing forward with several attempts to equalize. They created a few chances that tested Cerezo’s goalkeeper, leading to moments of tension, particularly when they nearly converted a free kick just outside the box. However, the Cerezo defense held firm, buoyed by their goalkeeper’s performance.
The players’ desire to succeed was palpable, and even as the clock wound down, Sanuki didn’t back down from their pursuit of the equalizer. Their resolve mirrored coach Miki’s pre-match statements, highlighting the need to seize every opportunity against a team they had nothing to lose against.
Although Sanuki managed several shots on target, they faced a disciplined and organized Cerezo Osaka defense which largely neutralized their offense. Players like Teppei Taki voiced the need to balance aggression in attack with careful defensive structure, emphasizing that a cohesive team effort would determine their chances in this knockout format.
In the final minutes, Cerezo Osaka dug deep, focusing on maintaining possession to see out the match. Papas had stressed the importance of mastering game management in the lead-up to crucial moments in competitions, urging his players to remain composure despite the mounting pressure from a desperate Sanuki side willing to throw players forward.
As the referee blew the final whistle, Cerezo Osaka celebrated their hard-fought victory which secures them a place in the next round of the tournament. The victory, while modest in scoreline, provided much-needed confidence as they sought to reshuffle their league form and find stability in the competition.
After the match, Papas illustrated a thoughtful reflection on the game, "Each match is a chance for us to grow as a team. Today’s victory helps us build momentum moving forward." Sanuki’s resilience throughout the match demonstrated their potential, but the final score underscores the competitive nature of cup tournaments where even a single moment defines the outcome.
More challenges lie ahead for both Cerezo Osaka and Kamatamare Sanuki. Cerezo will be looking to translate this momentum into future league performances while Sanuki seeks to improve on their promising league position as they rally for the remainder of their campaign in J3. The journey continues as both teams strive for success in their respective divisions.
