Match Summary
Kyoto Sanga defeated Cerezo Osaka 5:3. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by Rafael Elias 12′, T. Hara 17′, S. Fukuda 28′, Vitor Bueno 45′, Rafael Elias 56′, Rafael Elias 64′, S. Kitano 79′, Léo Ceará 90′ (pen.). 1 yellow cards were shown. Cerezo Osaka had 73% possession while Kyoto Sanga held 27%. Cerezo Osaka had 19 shots (6 on target) compared to 23 (9 on target) for Kyoto Sanga. Expected goals: Cerezo Osaka 2.34 — Kyoto Sanga 3.51. Cerezo Osaka made 5 substitutions, Kyoto Sanga made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto Sanga — 8 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Rafael Elias
assist: Marco Túlio
assist: H. Okuno
assist: S. Fukuda
assist: Marco Túlio
assist: H. Okuda
Penalty
Match Statistics
Cerezo Osaka had 73% possession against Kyoto Sanga's 27%. Cerezo Osaka registered 19 shots (6 on target) while Kyoto Sanga managed 23 (9 on target). Corner kicks: 11–5. Fouls committed: 5–16.
Lineups
Cerezo Osaka lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under A. Kogiku, while Kyoto Sanga deployed a 4-3-3 under Cho Kwi-Jae.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Cerezo Osaka is 6.75, compared to 6.88 for Kyoto Sanga. 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 Kyoto Sanga's best-rated player is T. Hara (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Cerezo Osaka have contributed 3 goals and 0 assists this season, led by S. Tanaka (3G). Kyoto Sanga's starters account for 11 goals and 19 assists, spearheaded by T. Hara (5G). 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 Kyoto Sanga's 4-man backline averaging 6.90. 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 5 midfielders averaging 6.86, versus Kyoto Sanga's 3 rated 6.75. 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 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Kyoto Sanga averaging 7.19. 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 Kyoto Sanga. 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 15 for Kyoto Sanga. 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 30.0 (youngest: H. Okuda (24), oldest: H. Okuno (36)), while Kyoto Sanga average 28.3 (youngest: S. Fukuda (25), oldest: T. Yonemoto (35)). 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 17 league appearances each, versus 31 for Kyoto Sanga. 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. Kyoto Sanga show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Cerezo Osaka
Kyoto Sanga
Head to Head
Cerezo Osaka and Kyoto Sanga have met 3 times — Cerezo Osaka won 2, Kyoto Sanga won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Cerezo Osaka leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 13 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.33 per match (8 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 3 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–4 in 2025.
2
Cerezo Osaka
0
Drawn
1
Kyoto Sanga
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026