Possession means nothing: Machida's clinical counter crushes Cerezo (Cerezo Osaka vs Machida Zelvia analysis) | OneFootball

Machida Zelvia End Three-Match Losing Streak with Victory at Cerezo Osaka

Machida Zelvia secured a valuable 2-1 away win against Cerezo Osaka in J1 League Round 13, ending a three-match losing streak and providing a much-needed boost for a team that has faced recent turbulence.

Match Details

Goals from Oh Se-Hun and Ibrahim Drešević gave the visitors a commanding lead before Thiago Andrade's injury-time consolation for Cerezo, who dominated possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third.

The victory moves Machida up to seventh in the standings with their first win in five matches, while Cerezo remain in the lower half of the table in 15th position.

Tactical Battle

Despite Cerezo controlling 65% of possession and completing over 600 passes, it was Machida's direct approach that proved more effective. The visitors registered 16 shots to Cerezo's five, with their clinical finishing making the difference.

Go Kuroda's side executed their game plan perfectly, soaking up pressure before striking with purpose. Their decisive triple substitution at half-time changed the complexion of the match, with Oh Se-Hun making an immediate impact by scoring just four minutes after his introduction.

"I'm happy with my first goal of the season, but I'm also frustrated I couldn't score a second," Oh told reporters after the match. "I'm grateful to the supporters who travelled to Osaka to cheer us on."

Key Performers

Yuki Soma was the creative spark for Machida, providing the assist for Drešević's goal while completing four successful dribbles and creating three chances throughout the match.

Drešević himself put in a commanding performance, not only scoring what proved to be the decisive goal but also contributing significantly to Machida's defensive solidity with two tackles and two interceptions.

For Cerezo, January signing Thiago Andrade provided a late spark off the bench, scoring in the 96th minute from Lucas Fernandes' assist – the Brazilian's fifth of the season.

Context and Significance

The victory carries extra significance for Machida following reports of internal issues within the club. Manager Kuroda had been under scrutiny after a disappointing run of results, with the team's approach being questioned.

"We want to take this victory positively and move forward," said Kuroda, whose team had previously lost their last three matches.

Cerezo's struggles continue despite their possession-based approach. Arthur Papas' side has now recorded just three wins from their last ten league matches, with their lack of attacking efficiency becoming a recurring theme.

The Australian coach had warned before the match about Machida's style and the challenges they would present, but his team was unable to find solutions until it was too late.

Looking Ahead

For Machida, this result provides a platform to rebuild after a difficult period. Their direct, counter-attacking approach proved effective against Cerezo's possession game, and they'll look to maintain this renewed intensity in upcoming fixtures.

Cerezo must address their attacking deficiencies despite controlling games statistically. With talented forwards like Rafael Ratão and Sota Kitano in their ranks, they have the quality to turn their possession into more meaningful chances.