Match Summary
Albirex Niigata defeated Cerezo Osaka 2:1. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by E. Matsuda 36′, Y. Ono 47′, Lucas Fernandes 0 90′. 1 red cards. Cerezo Osaka had 50% possession while Albirex Niigata held 50%. Cerezo Osaka had 15 shots (4 on target) compared to 20 (5 on target) for Albirex Niigata. Expected goals: Cerezo Osaka 1.80 — Albirex Niigata 2.16. Cerezo Osaka made 4 substitutions, Albirex Niigata made 3. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Yuichi Hirano 81′).
Match Events
Key match events between Cerezo Osaka and Albirex Niigata — 3 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Nagakura
assist: S. Tanaka
Match Statistics
Cerezo Osaka had 50% possession against Albirex Niigata's 50%. Cerezo Osaka registered 15 shots (4 on target) while Albirex Niigata managed 20 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 8–5. Fouls committed: 6–8.
Lineups
Cerezo Osaka lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under A. Kogiku, while Albirex Niigata deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. Matsuhashi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Cerezo Osaka is 6.79, compared to 6.79 for Albirex Niigata. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Cerezo Osaka's highest-rated starter is S. Tanaka (7.12), while Albirex Niigata's best-rated player is M. Hasegawa (6.96).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Cerezo Osaka have contributed 4 goals and 0 assists this season, led by S. Tanaka (3G). Albirex Niigata's starters account for 8 goals and 8 assists, spearheaded by M. Hasegawa (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Cerezo Osaka deploy 4 defenders rated 6.67 on average, against Albirex Niigata's 4-man backline averaging 6.81. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Cerezo Osaka field 3 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Albirex Niigata's 5 rated 6.83. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Cerezo Osaka start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Albirex Niigata averaging 6.66. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 43% for Cerezo Osaka and —% for Albirex Niigata. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Cerezo Osaka's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Albirex Niigata. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Cerezo Osaka's starting XI is 29.7 (youngest: H. Okuda (24), oldest: H. Okuno (36)), while Albirex Niigata average 29.6 (youngest: E. Miyamoto (27), oldest: Y. Ono (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Cerezo Osaka's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 24 for Albirex Niigata. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Cerezo Osaka have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Albirex Niigata show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Cerezo Osaka
Albirex Niigata
Head to Head
Cerezo Osaka and Albirex Niigata have met 2 times — Cerezo Osaka won 1, Albirex Niigata won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Cerezo Osaka leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (5 for the home side, 3 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2025.
1
Cerezo Osaka
1
Drawn
0
Albirex Niigata
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026