Cerezo Osaka are in phenomenal form, having gone eight in a row unbeaten. They’ll put that mark on the line Sunday at 19:00 JST when they travel to Kawasaki Frontale live on JLeague.co and broadcasters around the world.
The Sakura’s outstanding run of results has been led by J1’s top scorer, Léo Ceará. The Brazilian has scored 14 times in Cerezo’s last 17 matches, taking him up to 16 goals on the season.
While the goals alone are impressive, the multitude of ways in which Léo Ceará impacts the match is breathtaking. He’s able to score in transition or from set pieces, with both feet or his head, in close or outside the box. His constant movement terrorizes opposing defenses and his smart runs don’t just bring him scoring opportunities; his Cerezo teammates often get chances because of the way Léo Ceará’s movement unravels defenses.
The Léo Ceará-led unbeaten streak has taken Cerezo all the way up to fifth in the table, 10 points off the top. That puts them within striking distance of any of the continental competition places - and even the title if they turn more of their draws into wins. Every match is massive for them now in the second half of the season as they look to make their way up the table, including Sunday’s contest against Frontale.
It hasn’t been nearly as successful of a season so far for Frontale, who are used to being near the top of the table, but instead find themselves in 15th at the moment. Stunningly, they are only three points clear of the drop zone, with every match now absolutely vital for survival.
Frontale are winless in their last five, but have managed a draw from each of their last four contests. While those four points are clearly valuable, being the difference from the drop zone and safety, they are unlikely to escape the relegation fight without stacking up some wins.
Shin Yamada is doing his best to seal those points, with the 24-year-old leading the team in goals. All eyes will be on him and Frontale as they look to pull off a shocker.
Can they do it? Or will Cerezo keep their unbeaten streak going?
Find out live around the world on JLeague.co!
