Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Parramatta: Coach Toninho Cerezo labelled his Kashima Antlers side’s improved execution as the key to securing an invaluable 2-1 triumph over defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers in Group H of the AFC Champions League.
The J.League visitors fell behind to a Nikita Rukavytsya strike in the first half before dominating proceedings after the break, first equalising through Shoma Doi before Mu Kanazaki grabbed a deserved winning goal in stoppage time.
Brazilian Cerezo was thrilled with the performance of his side, who now move into joint second position of Group H with one game to play in the group stages.
Match Report: Western Sydney Wanderers 1-2 Kashima Antlers
“We played against the champions and what we did well was our planning, it was a good win,” said Cerezo.
“We kept possession well in the first half but our execution was poor. I told the players at half-time that our execution was poor and it needed to be better.
“In the second half I put Hiroyuki Takasaki on, he’s a more aggressive and attacking minded player and it worked well, our execution got much better.
“We can get out of the group stage now, but it’s not a sure thing yet, we still have to play very well and that is what we have to do.”
Western Sydney counterpart Tony Popovic was left to rue a second consecutive match where profligacy cost his team points.
“I thought the first half was good, very good. We had some very good opportunities to go further in front, we didn’t take them and I was always concerned that we didn’t take those chances,” said Popovic.
“I think the last two home games certainly, they’re big lessons. You have to take your chances at this level, and in both games in the second half we haven’t been as dominant.
“I think there are various reasons for that, but we have to accept today that Kashima was better in the second half, we were better in the first, but overall, unfortunately for us they take the points.
“In the end conceding that late was very disappointing, it was a soft goal to concede and that hurts at the end there, but in the second half we didn’t take any initiative and we never gained any control in midfield in the second half.”
With all to play for on Matchday Six in a fortnight’s time, Western Sydney head to already-qualified Guangzhou Evergrande, whilst Kashima host FC Seoul, knowing a win will send them through to the Round of 16.
Photo: WSG