Walls up in Saitama: attackers denied in tactical deadlock | OneFootball

Urawa 0–0 Cerezo Osaka: Defenses Hold Firm in Saitama

Saitama Stadium Sees Stalemate

Urawa and Cerezo Osaka played out a goalless draw at Saitama Stadium 2002 in J1 League Round 22, with neither side able to convert their opportunities in a match defined by strong defensive organisation and goalkeeping.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the match using 4-2-3-1 formations, with key new arrivals from the winter transfer window making up significant parts of each starting eleven. Urawa fielded recent signings such as Danilo Boza and Matheus Sávio, while Cerezo featured attacking options like Lucas Fernandes, Thiago Andrade, and loan forward Rafael Ratão.

Cerezo Osaka controlled much of the play, finishing with 60% of ball possession and producing 19 attempts on goal to Urawa’s 11, though both sides managed only 6 and 5 shots on target respectively. The attacking intent failed to translate into goals, with both defenses proving difficult to breach.

Key Performances and Statistics

Goalkeepers were central throughout the match. Cerezo’s Koki Fukui made five saves, completing 22 of 23 passes and contributing to the clean sheet. Shinnosuke Hatanaka, one of Cerezo’s new defensive signings, was influential with 90 passes at a high completion rate and six successful duels.

Urawa’s Shusaku Nishikawa, now 39, also produced five saves, while Danilo Boza offered reliability in central defense with three blocks, two interceptions, and accuracy in distribution. In midfield, Samuel Gustafson delivered four key passes and completed 52 of 55 passes for Urawa.

Cerezo created pressure through Lucas Fernandes, whose four key passes and seven dribbles pushed Urawa’s back line. Both teams used their benches extensively in the second half, but neither found a breakthrough.

Tactical and Team Notes

Urawa set out to remain compact and focused on counter-attacks, relying on experienced players and recent arrivals for defensive stability. The match marked the return of forward Thiago Santana after a lengthy injury absence, making a substitute appearance for Urawa and providing another attacking option going forward.

Cerezo, meanwhile, showed a blend of Japanese experience and Brazilian influence, with the midfield combination of Hinata Kida and Shinji Kagawa supporting a fluid attacking line. Despite recent matches where defensive vulnerabilities led to dropped points, Cerezo’s back line and goalkeeping proved stable in Saitama.

Manager Comments and Club Developments

Urawa manager Maciej Skorża emphasised the use of his best available players but noted finishing as a weakness. Cerezo boss Arthur Papas focused on the improvement in defensive structure and pointed to the need for greater precision in finishing chances.

Both squads reported no new major injuries or suspensions. Off the pitch, Urawa continues to invest in squad depth and community engagement, while Cerezo maintains a focus on regional identity and fan initiatives.

Recent Form and League Implications

The draw extends Urawa’s winless streak to three matches, despite having rested some starters in the prior round against Nagoya. Urawa currently sit fifth in the league, six points behind leaders Kashima. Cerezo Osaka remain in eighth, with recent results showing defensive improvements after a period of high-scoring, open games.

Both clubs continue to integrate new signings and manage tactical rotations as the league table remains tightly contested approaching the summer stretch.