15-year-old makes history in stalemate (Cerezo Osaka vs FC Tokyo analysis) | OneFootball

Cerezo Osaka and FC Tokyo Share Spoils in Tense J1 Encounter

Early Goals Set the Tone

Cerezo Osaka and FC Tokyo played out a 1-1 draw at Yodoko Sakura Stadium in their J1 League Round 11 clash, with both goals coming in a lively opening 20 minutes.

Rafael Ratão put the hosts ahead after just six minutes, finishing clinically from Lucas Fernandes' precise assist. The Brazilian forward continued his good form, registering his fourth shot on target from five attempts throughout the match.

FC Tokyo responded quickly when Kein Sato won and converted a penalty in the 19th minute, silencing the home crowd and bringing the visitors level against the run of play.

Cerezo Dominate But Can't Find Winner

Arthur Papas' Cerezo side controlled proceedings with 58% possession and created the better chances, registering 15 shots to FC Tokyo's 10. Despite forcing visiting goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa into five saves, they couldn't find a decisive second goal.

Lucas Fernandes was the standout performer, earning an 8.3 rating while creating five key passes and showing his importance as Cerezo's creative fulcrum. Captain Shunta Tanaka provided a solid midfield platform, completing 65 passes and drawing three fouls.

Tokyo Show Defensive Resilience

Rikizo Matsuhashi's FC Tokyo demonstrated defensive grit but lacked attacking threat beyond their penalty conversion. Their disciplinary record proved problematic, accumulating four yellow cards and conceding 20 fouls throughout the match.

Defender Teppei Oka stood firm at the back, making three blocks and two interceptions while completing 61 passes. Substitute Marcelo Ryan provided energy off the bench, while goalkeeper Nozawa's five saves proved crucial in securing a point.

Historic Moment for Tokyo Youngster

The match featured a significant milestone as FC Tokyo handed a first J1 League start to their 15-year-old midfielder Kitahara, making him the youngest starter in J1 history at just 15 years and 9 months. The teenager contributed to the equalizing goal with a clever pass before Sato was fouled for the penalty.

League Context

The result leaves both teams in the lower half of an extraordinarily tight J1 table. Cerezo sit 14th with 13 points, while FC Tokyo remain in relegation trouble in 18th position with 10 points.

The 2025 J1 campaign continues to throw up surprises, with Kyoto Sanga climbing to the summit for the first time in their history, while traditional powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos find themselves propping up the table.