J1 League·16·9 May, 07:00 am
Kagawa's 90+4 minute penalty snatched a thrilling 3-2 victory for Cerezo Osaka, twice pegged back in a dramatic battle.
This is an early post-match report. Analysis and sentiment may be revised as more data becomes available.
Cerezo Osaka's fans were ecstatic after former Japan international Shinji Kagawa scored a dramatic penalty in stoppage time, securing a 3-2 victory despite being pegged back twice.
T-scores relative to mean of 50
Possession
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V-Varen Nagasaki's fans were heartbroken after conceding a decisive penalty in stoppage time, losing 3-2 despite equalizing twice and nearly forcing a penalty shootout.
The match kicked off with an intense exchange of blows. In the 25th minute of the first half, V-Varen Nagasaki took the lead from a penalty awarded after a corner kick, with Ryogo Yamasaki calmly converting from the spot. However, Cerezo Osaka responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, in the 28th minute, Thiago Andrade found the back of the net, leveling the score. Both teams showed their determination, and the first half concluded with a 1-1 deadlock.
The second half saw the momentum shift once again. In the 63rd minute, Shunta Tanaka put Cerezo Osaka ahead with a header from a set-piece, making it 2-1. But V-Varen Nagasaki refused to give up. In the 72nd minute, substitute Matheus Jesus launched a spectacular solo counter-attack, dribbling past defenders and firing a left-footed shot to score his sixth goal of the season, bringing the score to 2-2. The stadium erupted as the game became a true back-and-forth affair.
Just when it seemed the match was headed for a penalty shootout, drama unfolded in stoppage time. In the 90+4th minute, Cerezo Osaka was awarded a penalty. Former Japan international Shinji Kagawa stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick and calmly slotted it home, securing the winning goal. Despite V-Varen Nagasaki's goalkeeper Hato Hatano saving an earlier penalty, he couldn't deny Kagawa's decisive strike, as Cerezo Osaka clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Home side Cerezo Osaka gained significant momentum with this dramatic 3-2 victory, securing their first 90-minute win in five matches. Goalkeeper Kosei Nakamura's crucial saves and Shinji Kagawa's decisive penalty highlighted their resilience. Meanwhile, newly promoted V-Varen Nagasaki continues to struggle at the bottom of the J1 WEST group. Despite twice coming from behind, the late concession of points was a bitter blow for their supporters. Manager Takuya Takagi acknowledged the team's fighting spirit but the challenge of securing points in J1 remains evident.
The decisive moment of the match came in stoppage time when Cerezo Osaka was awarded a penalty. With the score tied at 2-2 in the 90+4th minute, former Japan international Shinji Kagawa stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick. Under immense pressure, Kagawa calmly converted, sending the stadium into a frenzy. This dramatic winning goal will be etched in the memories of Cerezo Osaka fans as a moment of pure triumph.
V-Varen Nagasaki displayed remarkable resilience, twice coming from behind to equalize against Cerezo Osaka. Matheus Jesus's 72nd-minute equalizer, a powerful solo effort, epitomized their fighting spirit. Furthermore, goalkeeper Hato Hatano provided a moment of hope by saving an earlier penalty. However, their efforts ultimately fell short as they conceded a late penalty in stoppage time, denying them a crucial point. This hard-fought performance showcased their potential but also highlighted the difficulty of securing wins in J1.
Cerezo Osaka will aim to build on this dramatic victory, using the momentum to push further up the league table. Addressing defensive vulnerabilities will be key to maintaining consistent performances. For V-Varen Nagasaki, despite the heartbreaking loss, their ability to compete against a strong opponent offers a glimmer of hope. However, to avoid relegation from J1, they must learn to close out games and secure valuable points. The focus will now be on how they respond to this setback in upcoming matches.
SUBSTITUTES
Cerezo Osaka
V-Varen Nagasaki
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | +17 | 37 | |
| 1 | 15 | +7 | 28 | |
| 2 | 15 | +12 | 32 | |
| 2 | 14 | +7 |
28 |
| 3 | Gamba Osaka | 16 | +4 | 25 |
| 3 | Machida Zelvia | 14 | +1 | 28 |
| 4 | Urawa Reds | 16 | +8 | 24 |
| 4 | Cerezo Osaka | 16 | +1 | 25 |
| 5 | Tokyo Verdy | 14 | 0 | 24 |
| 5 | Shimizu S-Pulse | 15 | +1 | 22 |
| 6 | Kawasaki Frontale | 15 | -5 | 23 |
| 6 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 15 | +1 | 21 |
| 7 | Kyoto Sanga | 14 | 0 | 20 |
| 7 | Mito Hollyhock | 16 | -13 | 18 |
| 8 | Yokohama F. Marinos | 15 | -6 | 16 |
| 8 | Fagiano Okayama | 15 | -5 | 20 |
| 9 | Avispa Fukuoka | 16 | -9 | 20 |
| 9 | JEF United | 15 | -7 | 12 |
| 10 | Kashiwa Reysol | 15 | -7 | 11 |
| 10 | V-Varen Nagasaki | 16 | -7 | 19 |