Kansai Derby: Vissel Kobe 2 - 2 Cerezo Osaka

This Kansai Derby is always a highlight of our footballing calendar (when Vissel Kobe and Cerezo are in the same division) and this didn't disappoint as we put in a really good performance against an in-form side in the lovely Noevir Stadium. Another brace from Forlan so if you like you can enjoy a video of all his touches from the game. Otherwise the second video has your standard highlights omitting some key non-Forlan related moments. Apparently our next opponents, Omiya Ardija, were poor today so we can look forward to our encounter on "Greenery Day" the public holiday to appreciate nature but which the squirrels might not enjoy. 

Related articles

• J.League Wrap: Kashima go top as Vissel Kobe slip-up (soccerway.com)
• Reysol win on last-gasp strike (japantimes.co.jp)
• Forlan on target as Osaka draws 2-2 in J-League (kansascity.com)

Amazing 3 - 3 draw at the renamed Noevir Stadium in Kobe

Kobe play in J2 this year which means no away trip with Cerezo to their lovely stadium and my usual pre-match trip to the Hobgoblin pub, Chinatown and the German beer and currywurst shop. As J2 games are held on Sunday (when an English breakfast is 999yen) I went down and saw a marvellous comeback from Fagiano Okayama as they scored 3 in the space of 10 minutes with the last coming in injury time to leave Kobe still leading J2 but their fans slightly miffed (there were boos at the final whistle). Fagiano is the Italian for pheasant in case you were wondering about Okayama's name. Noevir is a make-up company as the stadium has it's third sponsorship change in as many years. This is one that builds on the great women's team INAC Kobe Lionessa which features many of the national team players. Fans that made the trip were given a free sample of face cream. Kobe will welcome Gamba Suita at the Noevir for their Golden Week Kansai Derby.

The flag waving didn't put off the penalty taker although finally the Okayama fans went home happy