Urawa Red Diamonds 2-0 Cerezo Osaka

Urawa Red Diamonds, who is aiming to win their second Emperor's Cup title in four years, showcased a strong performance to reach the final. The key player is UGAJIN Tomoya, whose contract expires at the end of this season. In the 29th minute, AKIMOTO Takahiro passed the ball back to Ugajin, who struck a right footed shot from the edge of the box that pierced the right hand corner of the goal, as the veteran midfielder later reflected, “I wanted to make the team regret letting my contract expire.”

Urawa continued to showcase their composure in the second half, as the mixed in fast-breaks and slow-attacks to take control of the match. In the closing minutes of the match, KOIZUMI Yoshio, who came into the match as a late substitute, showcased a spectacular individual effort to score the second goal. Coach Ricardo RODRIGUEZ, who is just one win away from winning the tile in his first year at the helm, said, “We were able to get our job done.” Ugajin, who also scored a powerful volley shot in the Emperor's Cup final when the club won the title last time, declared, “This is my last time playing for the Reds, so I want to win the title with these supporters.”

Cerezo Osaka on the other hand, was not able to send off OKUBO Yoshito, who is set to retire after this season, with a cut title. The veteran striker who has scored 191 goals, most goals scored in J1 history, wan named in the starting line-up and fired a mid-range shot in the sixth minute and made an attempt to connect with a cross in the 41st minute but fell short from scoring his 192nd goal.

The legendary striker ended his career without winning a title in Japan, but mentioned, “I'm disappointed, but I'm relieved. My long football career has been painful, fun, and great. I have nothing but gratitude,” as he left the pitch with a cheerful smile on his face.

Coaches and Players' Comments

Ricardo RODRIGUEZ, Coach (Urawa Red Diamonds)
It was not an easy match. We struggled to breakdown the opposing defence, but still managed to score the opener in the first half. We faced a dangerous situation from a cross in the second half, but our defence showcased tenacious efforts to keep a clean sheet. Both the starters and the substitutes were able to make a difference. Although I am not satisfied with our overall performance, we were able to get our job done. Oita is an opponent we have struggled against this season, but we hope to win the match to allow ABE (Yuki) raise the Emperor’s Cup.

UGAJIN Tomoya (Urawa Red Diamonds)
I was calm and relaxed when I scored the opening goal. I think Akimoto intentionally missed his shot to give me the opportunity to score a goal. I knew it was going in as soon as I struck the shot. I was booked in the match, so I have no complaints about being subbed off. I still have the confidence that I can still showcase a good performance. It was the first time in 12 years that I had left the pitch to such applause.

KOGIKU Akio, Coach (Cerezo Osaka)
I am proud of the players for fighting and running hard until the very end. Since I took over the helm, the players have worked extremely hard in each training session to create great competition within the team. While our performance in the league was unstable, we ended as runners-up in the J.League YBC Levain Cup and semi-finalists of the Emperor's Cup, but we couldn't win the big matches because of my lack of ability as a coach. I hope the club can analyse the issues and new findings and make the most of this experience to strengthen the team.

OKUBO Yoshito (Cerezo Osaka)
When I heard the final whistle, it felt like it was all over. We didn’t deserve to win today’s match, and I am more relieved than anything. We need to improve all of the aspects as a team. There was a vicious cycle of wasted power and inefficiency in both offense and defence. In order to win matches in football, you cannot just defend. A goal will give you confidence. It is something everyone must think about. Although I will no longer be with the team, I will continue to support Cerezo overcome the obstacles that are in their way to become a better team. From now on, I will study things outside of football and continue to make challenges.

Emperor's Cup JFA 101st Japan Football Championship

【1st Round】Sat. 22, Sun. 23 May [Backup date: Mon. 24 May]
【2nd Round】Wed. 9, Wed. 16 June
【3rd Round】Wed. 7 July [Backup date: Wed. 14 July]
【Round of 16】Wed. 18 August [Backup date: Wed. 13 October]
【Quarterfinals】Wed. 27 October［Backup date: Wed. 17 November］
【Semi-Finals】Sun. 12 December
【Final】Sun. 19 December

Tournament Information