- Day 7 -
Day 7 has arrived.
Today is an important day towards advancing to the first round.
I headed to the dining hall in the morning and had breakfast, then headed straight to the game venue.

We will face the game with the aim of advancing to the first round!


[Match 1]
vs Olympique Marseille
1-1 at halftime
[Scorer] Yuha TSUMURAYA
Second half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA

Total 2-2

【First Half】
We entered the game with focus from the start, taking advantage of yesterday's reflection.
He actively goes to steal the opponent's ball in defense, and if we continue the game at our pace, we can connect passes up to the goal in 5 minutes. In the end, Yuha TSUMURAYA passes to the opposite side and scores a goal. We take the lead.
However, just 8 minutes later, they were broken down on the right side and conceded a long shot. After that, both teams were unable to score and the first half ended.

【Second Half】
The game gradually became more difficult as the opponent pushed us back, resulting in longer periods of play in our own half. Despite our persistent defense, we were unable to connect passes after winning the ball, leading to a tough period of play. In the 9th minute, we lost possession in our own half and conceded a goal from a long shot. Both goals were scored from long shots.
After that, there were still difficult times, but in the 15th minute, Harushiro Matsushita stole the ball from the opponent's CB, dribbled it all the way to the goal and took a shot, scoring a goal!
Our continuous pressing since the first half has paid off, and we have caught up to the tie!
After that, although the pinch continued, the GK managed to defend and the game ended in a tie.

[Match 2]
vs Paris Saint-Germain FC
First Half 0-0
Second Half 1-0

Total 1-0

【First Half】
The opponent took control of the ball from the beginning, but the DF line stayed focused and did not allow them to attack as they pleased.
We also connect the ball finely without fear of the opponent's pressure and approach to the goal, but we cannot take advantage of the chance as we cannot reach the shot.
The first half ended without either team being able to take advantage of their chances.

【Second Half】
The opponent continues to dominate possession for a long time, just like in the first half. We will defend diligently, focusing on the two strikers, and gradually put pressure on the opponent.
In the midst of that, we create chances by inviting the opponent's mistakes, but we also see passive plays such as choosing to lose the ball by passing instead of shooting, and we are unable to expand our chances easily.
As the back-and-forth battle continued, in the 19th minute, Yainai Teruaki scored a goal with a header after getting a chance from a corner kick. The game ended with this dramatic victory.
The preliminary round resulted in third place, but thanks to the results of other groups, we were able to advance to the top league through a wild card spot.

The second round will be divided into four groups with a league match between three teams, and only the top team can advance to the final tournament.
The match schedule has been determined and the first match of the second round will kick off at 20:30.
The players fought with all their might in two matches, and although they were quite exhausted, they raised their gear and tension to face the match in order to reach the "Next Stage"!


[Match 3]
vs Stade Rennais
First Half 0-0
Second Half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA

Total 1-1

【First Half】
We were able to play with high motivation from the beginning, and showed a passionate performance!
We were able to create several chances by fighting firmly in the ball and playing towards the goal, but we couldn't quite finish them off.
There were several occasions where the opponent's front line was filled with speedy and skilled players, and we were in danger of being broken through the center with passes or on the sides with dribbles.

【Second Half】
The game has turned into a situation where the opponent has possession of the ball, but as they start to show signs of fatigue, our pressing has become effective and their mistakes have become more noticeable.
In the 8th minute, Harushiro MATSUSHITA collected the opponent's GK pass in the midfield, quickly turned forward and forcefully passed two opponents, and finally calmly shot the ball into the goal.
After persistently trying various opportunities, we were finally able to score.
At 13 minutes, the side was broken and in a pinch, a shot was taken, but GK Rengo Kurita made a great save and defended it. However, they conceded a goal from the opponent's corner kick right after. It was another goal conceded from a set piece, and it was a very regrettable goal as they had been defending well.
After that, both teams began to show signs of fatigue, and the game became more open.
Both teams had several chances in front of the goal, but were either blocked by the opponent's GK's great save or saved by the opponent's FW slipping.
The situation was such that either team could have scored, but the game ended as it was.
It ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was a tough schedule to play three games in one day, but through the previous games, we have been able to compete evenly with overseas teams and we can now see the growth of our players.
The remaining period seems to be a key point for whether we can prepare to win as a team and become tougher as individuals.

There will be a second round, second game tomorrow.
In order to advance to the semifinal round, we must win this battle. We aim to reach an even higher stage from here and fight on equal terms. We want to approach the match with solid preparation!
Thank you for your continued support!