Borussia Dortmund lost their friendly against Cerezo Osaka 0-1. The BVB delivered a disappointing performance, particularly in the first half, while Japanese youngster Takato Yamamoto was booed by fans and a centre-back left the pitch injured. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Bundesliga, 64 pts, 19W-7D-3L from 29 games, recent form LWWWW.
Why was Yamamoto booed?
Takato Yamamoto, on loan from Gamba Osaka to Borussia Dortmund, was jeered every time he touched the ball at Osaka’s Yanmar Stadium Nagai. The reason: The 18-year-old midfielder came through the youth academy of Gamba Osaka, Cerezo Osaka’s fierce local rivals. Matches between the two clubs are among Japan’s most heated derbies.
How did Niko Kovač react to Yamamoto?
Head coach Niko Kovač admitted he was surprised by Yamamoto’s display in the previous friendly against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, where the Japanese player set up a goal and scored himself. «I only saw him for the first time on Thursday», Kovač revealed. Though Yamamoto was initially earmarked for the reserve team, the door to the Bundesliga remains open: «There’s a bridge, and we’ll keep an eye on him.»
What does the defeat mean for Borussia Dortmund?
The 0-1 loss to Cerezo Osaka highlights the BVB’s pre-season struggles. Solomon Sakuragawa put the hosts ahead as early as the 8th minute. Dortmund improved in the second half, but the early goal stood. With 60 goals scored last season (29 conceded, +31 goal difference), the club aims to challenge for the title again-currently 12 points behind leaders Bayern München.
