ACL MD3: Cerezo Osaka 4-0 Buriram United

Yoichiro Kakitani’s third goal in as many AFC Champions League games had handed Cerezo the ideal start at Osaka Nagai Stadium before Minamino doubled the home side’s tally before half-time.

And despite Cerezo easing off after the break, a first win of the campaign was confirmed as Minamino added a second with nine minutes remaining before 2010 FIFA World Cup MVP Forlan netted in stoppage time.

Having suffered a 3-1 home defeat by China’s Shandong Luneng last week, Cerezo enjoyed the ideal start against the Thai treble winners as Kakitani burst past a static Buriram defence to meet Noriyuki Sakemoto’s near-post cross and the striker stylishly guided a back-heel flick through the legs of Buriram goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen after just four minutes.

Kakitani and strike partner Forlan (pictured) then went close for the home side as Cerezo enjoyed the better of the first-half chances.

And Cerezo eventually added another eye-catching second 11 minutes before half-time as Minamino skipped inside a sliding challenge from Surat Sukha inside the penalty area before coolly slipping the ball under Siwarak.

With heavy rain falling at the start of the second half, Buriram thought they had pulled a goal back midway through the second period as Prathum Chutong headed home from Charyl Chappuis’ free-kick only for the linesman’s flag to cut short the visitors’ celebrations.

And with seven minutes remaining the home side put the result beyond doubt as Minamino collected Takahiro Ohgihara’s pass just inside the edge of the penalty area, and after creating space with a quick stepover, the striker rifled home his second of the night with the foot of Siwarak only helping the ball into the back of the net.

There was still time though, for high profile off-season arrival Forlan to net his first goal for Cerezo as the Uruguayan striker gave Siwarak no chance in stoppage time from inside the penalty area with what proved to be the last action of the contest.

Photo: WSG