Break the bad flow and aim to stop the losing streak by taking 3 points

　In Sec. 29 of the league, we faced Cerezo Osaka away. In the second match of the Nabisco Semifinal Round on 10/13, we lost after conceding goals due to missed chances. As a result, we have conceded a total of 8 goals in the last 2 matches, with only 1 goal scored, and we must admit that the team's situation is difficult. Nevertheless, Coach Popović stated, "We cannot move forward if we dwell on the defeat. What remains for us is only the league matches. We must show a fighting spirit and play with even higher quality to aim for victory. For our supporters and for ourselves, we must fight without ever giving up on the competition."

　C Osaka, currently in 12th place with 38 points. In the match on June 23 at Ajinomoto, they scored two goals in the second half, securing a victory as planned. However, since then, C Osaka has changed coaches to Kurupi. Although MF Kiyotake and Kim Bokyung transferred, attacking MF Heberti and MF Simplisio, who has a background with the Brazilian national team, joined the team. Experienced players bring stability and trust to the team, and by enhancing the attacking power centered around FW Kakita and FW Sugimoto, they are developing the ability to secure wins.

　Tokyo's Takahashi and Gonda have safely returned from the Japan national team's European expedition. Although they only joined the team for one day yesterday, there were no particular issues with their adjustment. However, Morishige, who has played in every match this season, will be suspended for this match. Therefore, the lineup has Tokunaga and Takahashi as center-backs, with Mukuhara and Nakamura as the full-backs. The attacking formation will feature Lucas as the lone striker, with Ishikawa and Tanabe on the wings. Kono has also been included on the bench.

　C Osaka has won three consecutive matches, each by a score of 3 to 2. If the match turns into a shootout, it is expected that Tokyo will be at a disadvantage, so they want to take control from defense and exploit the opponent's weaknesses by maintaining quick transitions and pace. Tanabe also expressed his determination, saying, "I want to create rhythm by moving the ball. I have nothing to lose. I intend to show everything I have worked on this season." With a strong desire to compete, they will demonstrate both aggressiveness and resilience as they challenge C Osaka. The match started at 18:04 with C Osaka's kickoff at Kincho Stadium.

Both teams created chances in a back-and-forth development, but the first half ended with no goals scored.

　From the start of the first half, both teams maintained intensity in ball contests and focused on defense. In the 8th minute, they regained possession in their own half and connected passes, with Yonemoto spreading the play to the left. Nakamura passed to Lucas in the center, who connected with Kajiyama, and Mukuara delivered an early cross from the right. They used the wide space, and Kajiyama headed the ball, but it went wide of the goal. In the 12th minute, Lucas broke through on the left flank and passed to the center. Just before it reached Kajiyama, it was intercepted, but Hasegawa applied pressure, and Ishikawa in the center connected with the loose ball and took a direct shot, but it went over the bar.

　Although Tokyo quickly transitions between offense and defense, they lack precision and coordination in their attacks, leading to an increasing number of situations where they are gradually pressured by C Osaka. In the 23rd minute, C Osaka's left back Marubashi makes a speedy and accurate early cross. This perfectly reaches the midfielder Yamaguchi, who has moved forward, but the ball takes a long bounce, resulting in a mistake that saves them. In the 30th minute, Lucas breaks through the left area after a one-two with Kajiyama. He sends a decisive backward pass in front of the goal, but Ishikawa attempts to connect with it using the outside of his foot and misses.

　In the 42nd minute, Tanabe passed to Lucas, who dropped the ball, and Tanabe bravely took a dribble shot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. In the 44th minute, Kajiyama broke through on the left flank and made a last pass to Tanabe, who was close to the goal inside the left area. It created a decisive scene, but Tanabe was thrown off by the opposing defender, and the shot went wide. In the early stages, there were moments of losing possession due to mistakes, allowing C Osaka to attack, but they persevered and created chances starting from Kajiyama and Lucas. It was a back-and-forth development, with chances for both sides, but the first half ended scoreless.

Vucicevic equalized with a goal, aiming for the lead but ended in a draw.

　Shortly after the start of the second half, Hasegawa took the ball from Yonemoto's intense chasing in his own half and moved it to the right side. Ishikawa passed to Lucas on the left front line, and Yonemoto, who advanced into the center, took a shot from mid-range but it went wide to the left. Then, in the 50th minute, Cerezo Osaka's side switch from the right midfield to the left front line was received by left back Marubashi in a high position. He brought the ball inside and boldly struck a powerful mid-range shot from near the left corner of the area, allowing the first goal to be scored in the near upper corner.

　C Osaka is gaining momentum, but in the 60th minute, Hyun Soo JANG replaced Tanabe. In the 63rd minute, Nemanja VUCICEVIC was brought in for Kajiwara, changing the formation to a three-back. Then, in the 74th minute, they regained possession in the defensive line, and Tokunaga quickly switched to attack with VUCICEVIC. After passing to Lucas, VUCICEVIC sent a pass to Hasegawa, who was advancing on the right flank, just inside the line and back towards the center of the area. VUCICEVIC, who had made a strong run, confidently scored to equalize.

　Immediately after equalizing, Edmilson was brought on for Yonemoto. Takahashi was moved up to the defensive midfield position, returning to a four-back formation. After that, both teams attacked each other, leading to a rapid exchange of offense and defense. In the 81st minute, a quick restart by C Osaka's midfielder Heberti resulted in a shot that hit the crossbar. Furthermore, in the 85th minute, C Osaka made three consecutive substitutions, launching an aggressive attack without hesitation.

　As the match progressed, it turned into a fierce exchange of counterattacks, and in stoppage time, HASEGAWA received a second warning and was sent off. Although the team was on the defensive, they united to withstand C Osaka's fierce attacks, and the match ended as it was. They aimed to take the lead with player substitutions and tactical changes, but they only managed to secure 1 point away.

　[Player Comment]《Nemanja VUCICEVIC》"It was a tough match. I felt that C Osaka is a good team. However, we haven't been able to achieve good results in the last few matches, but today we played with confidence. To make this away point valuable, we want to win the next home game. (About the goal) My teammates gave me courage, and seeing their determination motivated me as well. Although it was a tie, I think it was good that I was able to help the team. The shot was as I aimed. My desire to contribute to the team in every match remains unchanged, just like before. Next, I want to score a goal that leads to victory."

　Nakamura: "Personally, I was thinking of starting with solid defense. I don't think my movements in defense were bad. However, I wish I could have showcased my characteristics more in the attack. Regarding the offense, I wanted to get to a shot today, so I was thinking of changing my usual vertical breakthroughs to movements towards the center. I was able to dribble, but in the end, I couldn't finish. I have regrets about that and I lacked aggressiveness."

　C Osaka had the power to break through and their individual skills were high. In contrast, we were able to defend by putting our bodies on the line at the crucial moments. However, we did not start the second half well. Based on our experiences so far, we had discussed, 'Let's be careful as we enter the second half.' Yet, we keep making these mistakes. We need to be more focused on winning and we want to keep a clean sheet. We also want to score goals.

　【Summary of Coach Popovic's Press Conference】 "It was a match where both sides showcased their strengths. I believe we maintained a high-tempo game for the full 90 minutes. However, a point of reflection is allowing the first goal. When we find ourselves in a position of having to chase, it becomes mentally and physically exhausting, and that aspect needs improvement. I think it's crucial for the entire team to unify their intentions. Despite conceding the first goal, being able to catch up and continue to fight for victory is something that can be appreciated. We couldn't capitalize on our chances, but the attitude we showed is certainly commendable."

　I think there were parts where we were a bit unlucky. I want to say to the players that they did well in showing the attitude to go for the three points. Due to injuries and the Japan national team, we have not been able to fix the combination of the final line since July. I believe today we had a new combination that we had never tried before, but the players responded well on the pitch, and for that reason, I want to say they did well.

　[C Osaka - Levir CULPI's press conference summary] "I think it was a very physically tough and intense game. FC Tokyo has many experienced players, and they also have a lot of physically strong players, so it became a tough game, but I believe Cerezo created more decisive chances. That said, I think a draw is a fair result. While we created chances, we were unable to convert them. Considering that, I think it is a reasonable result."

　(We replaced MF Ogiwara with MF Yamaguchi as a starter) Regarding MF Yamaguchi, it is said that he can create more effective attacks when he comes from behind. Additionally, MF Heberti and MF Edamura were also playing well, so we approached the match with this lineup. However, I always consider MF Ogiwara as a regular. He has received seven cards, which is why he started from the bench. I believe that some players will be rotated in the starting lineup depending on the match going forward.