7 game unbeaten run in J1! Cerezo 2 - 1 Nagoya Grampus

Edno scored his first goal in the J-League as we rode our luck a tad on our way to getting 3 points. Another entertaining game and I'm glad the Grampus fans got to see a Kennedy consolidation goal as they really added to a fantastic atmosphere. Kakitani got our second after a sublime first touch from Edamura's through ball. He's now joint top of the J1 goalscorers charts with two other players. Grampus hit the woodwork twice during the course of the game but it's now becoming clear that Culpi may be close to replicating his ACL qualifying formula before his first retirement a couple of seasons back. There's now a one month break in J1 but we face Urawa Reds on the 23^rd and 30^th this month in the quarter finals of the Nabisco cup. This match was sold out possibly thanks to a half-time appearance from FC Nuremberg and former Cerezo midfielder Kiyotake.

Brilliant support from Nagoya

Kincho Stadium sold out

Where does one buy a Cerezo microphone?



We finish top of our Nabisco Cup group! Cerezo 2 - 1 Kashima Antlers 1

A very unexpected goal, he showed composure and a stunning finish in the 2^nd minute. Who am I talking about? Edno! Congratulations on his first goal and actually looking like a footballer. Culpi dropping him for a few games seems to have done wonders although I would still like to see Sugimoto start for the time being. Edno was subbed before the end of the match as his reverted to his usual anonymous footballer role. Antlers, who started the day at the top of the standings, then equalised but that man Kakitani popped up again to ensure our passage to the league cup quarter finals in pole position. To be fair he did more than just pop up, he ran with the ball from our half and as the Antler's players closed in smacked in the winner from just outside the box.

Cerezo Osaka 2 - 1 Sagan Tosu Nabisco Cup May 15th

A poorly attended Wednesday week night cup match despite the promise of a place in the quarter finals after this victory. Sagan Tosu scored in the first minute but this actually gave us something to chase and play for from the start so we did well. Maruhashi equalised with a great free-kick and teenage sensation Minamio grabbed the winner to leave us second in our group.

Nicest fans in Japan, the poor attendance revealed that away fans in Kincho now have seats instead of a grassy knoll

Our view of the Maruhashi free-kick, he's the one just under the beer person's nose

 

Out in the Nabisco Cup quarter final 0-3 Kashima Antlers

We could have gone through with one goal and a clean sheet but after letting their star player Dutra glide through our midfield and allow him enough time for his shot we would have been fortunate to get anything. Antlers finished off the game with a penalty and finally a third as we played poorly against decent opposition as usual. Soares threw on Nagai and Bando to try and salvage something but the damage was done. After that things don't look too good for the Osaka derby but seeing how poorly Gamba are doing this season we may have a chance. The only good point on Wednesday was a chance to see Brazilian legend Jorghino on the touchline for Antlers.

Nabisco Cup vs Urawa

Worth taking a closer look at the team that beat the Reds 4-1. Soares may have just been resting the regulars but the players that came in did enough to suggest the manager might try something different for the game against Kashima Antlers today (No Kempes please!). Bando was a vast improvement on Kempes as Kurogi filled in for Ogihara. Kakitani also showed some glimpses of why he's held in high regard by staff and fans at Cerezo. As Kiyotake will be off to Nuremberg this summer we'll be looking to Kakitani for attacking inspiration.

Click to enlarge

Enjoy the goals!