[J1 League Round 2] Shonan Bellmare wins two straight games to start the season! Cerezo Osaka are at their wits' end with aggressive attacks

Shonan creates good opportunities with furious attacks

Shonan were the first to create a chance. Five minutes into the first half, goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon headed a corner kick, but the ball hit the goalpost. They narrowly missed out on a goal. Meanwhile, Cerezo Osaka showed off their attacking style, using the entire field in the 28th minute. Just when it seemed they were going to launch an attack from the left wing, they made a long pass to defender Okuda Yuto, who was near the center. Although he was 20-30 meters from the goal, defender Okuda shot without hesitation. The ball bounced once and landed in the goalkeeper's chest, showing their determination to attack aggressively from any situation.

The game changed in the 30th minute of the first half. Shonan took advantage of their numerical advantage of two defenders against one and seized the ball. From there, they made a one-touch pass, and midfielder Fujii Tomoya sent a long cross towards the goal. Forward Fukuda Shoki received the ball in an unsteady position, calmly using his time to regain a stable position and pass it to forward Suzuki Akito, who had come up free. Forward Suzuki Akira took a one-touch shot and the ball shook the net. The 21-year-old, who was appointed new captain this season and changed his jersey number from 29 to 10, is a highly anticipated player, and he scored his first goal of the season to open the scoring. The team and the stands were excited by the action.

Cerezo Osaka desperately defends against Shonan's continued attack

Shonan continued their momentum and continued their attack. Then, in the 33rd minute, midfielder Fujii, free on the right wing, sent a cross to midfielder Hiraoka Taiyo, who was waiting up front. He slid in with one touch and shot. The shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, but midfielder Fujii's precise cross showcased his excellent control. Then, a counter attack unfolded, and midfielder Hiraoka, receiving the ball near the center circle, cut towards the goal. He created time to move forward, passing the ball to the free defender Hata Taiga, who then crossed. The shot was blocked by the opposing defender, but forward Suzuki Akira took a shot from the loose ball. It bounced off the post, but midfielder Onose Kosuke passed it to forward Fukuda, who then took another shot. The ball hit the opposing defender and didn't go in, but it was a play that showed Shonan's aggressiveness and the conviction of Cerezo Osaka's defense.

Shonan, still unstoppable, stole the ball in the 44th minute from a gap in the opposing defense and used the left flank to develop the attack. Midfielder Hiraoka passed the ball sideways to striker Fukuda in front of the goal, who dribbled past the opposing defenders one after another, creating a free situation and taking a shot. The ball went just centimeters wide of the post and did not result in a goal, but striker Fukuda's quick footwork left the opposing goalkeeper unable to react. The first half ended like this. Shonan held on to their one-point lead as the match entered the second half.

The second half begins, and Cerezo Osaka begins their counterattack

Shonan's attacks continued in the second half. Midfielder Onose sent a long pass to forward Suzuki Akira, who was running alone up front. Suzuki swung his right foot and the ball evaded the diving goalkeeper and shook the net.

Cerezo Osaka, eager to show their determination, seized a free kick opportunity in the 56th minute, and kicker Lucas chose to cross with a low trajectory. The ball flew into the space where the Shonan defense was not present, and defender Shindo Ryosuke headed it in for a goal. From a set piece, Cerezo Osaka's specialty, defender Shindo scored his first goal of the season, giving the team momentum.

With this goal, Cerezo Osaka regained momentum and created a chance with a long pass in the 62nd minute. A side pass was made in front of the goal, reaching midfielder Kitano, who was completely free. He swung the ball with his right foot and it headed towards the goal, but Shonan's goalkeeper Kamifukumoto Naoto jumped sideways and deflected the ball with his outstretched hand. It was a great opportunity born from Cerezo Osaka's efficient passing, but a fine save from goalkeeper Kamifukumoto put an end to the momentum. Cerezo Osaka created numerous chances after that, but were unable to find the back of the net again. In the end, Shonan won 2-1, extending their winning streak since the start of the season.

From "DAZN Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League Highlights Cerezo Osaka vs Shonan: Round 2" (broadcast on February 22, 2025)
*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication.