Cerezo Osaka vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Can the Sakura Army Break Home Hoodoo?
Cerezo Osaka prepares to host an in-form Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a crucial J1 League encounter. Sanfrecce Hiroshima, currently 6th in the league, aims to solidify its AFC Champions League qualification bid, while Cerezo Osaka seeks to improve its mid-table standing. Historical head-to-head records favor the visitors, but Cerezo's strong recent home form promises a fiercely contested match.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This weekend, the J1 League will feature a significant clash as Cerezo Osaka hosts Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. This match holds considerable importance for both teams' league positions. As of late August, Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been performing strongly in the J1 League, currently sitting in 6th place with 49 points from 28 matches, actively pursuing qualification for next season's AFC club competitions. [3, 9, 34] In contrast, Cerezo Osaka, with one game in hand, is in 10th place with 38 points from 27 matches, needing to gain more points to climb up the standings and close the gap on the top teams. [3, 9, 34] Historical head-to-head records do not favor Cerezo Osaka, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima winning 16 of their previous 26 encounters, compared to Cerezo's 6 victories. [4] Notably, Cerezo Osaka has a poor home record against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, with only one draw and four defeats in their last five home matches against them, adding psychological pressure to this fixture. [28] The last time these two sides met was on April 6, 2025, when Sanfrecce Hiroshima secured a 2-1 victory over Cerezo Osaka. [3, 10]
Recent Form
Cerezo Osaka's recent form in the J1 League has been inconsistent, with a record of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their most recent league fixture saw them draw 1-1 at home against Vissel Kobe on August 23. [25, 27] Prior to that, they suffered a 0-3 away defeat to Machida Zelvia on August 16 but secured a 3-1 home win against Albirex Niigata on August 11. [25, 27] Further back, they drew 3-3 with Shonan Bellmare on July 19 and lost 0-1 to FC Tokyo on July 12. [27] Overall this season, Cerezo Osaka holds a record of 10 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses in 27 J1 League games. [3] Sanfrecce Hiroshima enters the match in better form, having secured three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five J1 League outings. Their latest league victory was a dominant 3-0 away win over Tokyo Verdy on August 23. [37] Before that, they narrowly lost 0-1 at home to Vissel Kobe on August 20 but then defeated Gamba Osaka 1-0 at home on August 16. [37] They played to a goalless draw with Shimizu S-Pulse on August 10 and previously beat Kawasaki Frontale 2-1 on August 3. [37] Sanfrecce Hiroshima's overall J1 League record this season stands at 15 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses from 28 matches. [3]
Key Players & Injury News
Cerezo Osaka's attack heavily relies on Brazilian forward Rafael Ratão, who is the team's top scorer with 11 goals this season. [3, 44] Midfield maestro Lucas Fernandes leads the assist charts with 15 assists. [3, 44] Experienced Japanese international Shinji Kagawa also plays a crucial role for the team. [41] On the injury front, Cerezo Osaka will be without several key players due to long-term issues, including Niko Takahashi, Kyohei Noborizato, Satoki Uejo, and Yuichi Hirano. [28, 47] For Sanfrecce Hiroshima, young forward Sota Nakamura is a central figure in their offense, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists. [3] Midfielder Hayao Kawabe is also considered one of the J1 League's most valuable players. [32] Additionally, French striker Valère Germain is an important asset for the team. [18] In terms of injuries, Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be without Turkish midfielder Tolgay Arslan, who is sidelined with a knee injury. [28]