The third day of the Germany expedition, the training match series against the local powerhouse team starts today.
The first opponent is Bayer Leverkusen's youth (U-19) team from the Bundesliga. The match took place at the Leverkusen Academy training ground and kicked off at 18:00 local time.

There were moments when we were overwhelmed by the opponent's strength in the ball contest, but we gradually gained control of the game while evading the pressure.
However, in the 14th minute, a vertical pass from a counterattack pierced through the defense line, and there was a regrettable clearance mistake. The ball was immediately picked up and a goal was conceded.
In the 16th minute immediately after, Ryo SATO jumped behind the opponent's defensive line with a vertical pass from Susumu WATANABE, surpassing the goalkeeper's head with a skillful shot and quickly equalizing the score.
After that, the game progresses at a Tokyo pace. While penetrating behind the opponent's high defensive line, Kenta OKUMA and Yoshiatsu OIJI create numerous scoring opportunities but fail to score.
The first half ends with a score of 1-1.

Increased intensity in Leverkusen's ball-winning battles after entering the second half and receiving a scolding from the coach during halftime, as well as being pushed back by their relentless vertical and fast-paced attacks.
On the other hand, Tokyo also responded patiently and waited for opportunities to counterattack, with GK YAMAGUCHI Kohei taking the lead in the second half.
However, in the 66th minute, the ball was stolen in the midfield and allowed entry into the penalty area, and although it was a close decision, a penalty kick was given and a goal was conceded.
Allow the lead again. Despite repeatedly making player substitutions, all 20 members of the expedition team fought until the end without giving up in a total battle, but the score remained 1-2 until the time was up.
Couldn't decorate the first away game with a victory.
It is not a content that should be pessimistic, but it is a world-class battle where if you give a momentary opening, it will surely be decided. I want to apply today's lesson to tomorrow's Dortmund match.

FW Ryo SATO's comment
"I found it difficult as it was my first game in Germany. I realized that I needed to get used to the opponent and the condition of the ground."
GK Yasuhiro YAMAGUCHI's comment
"I think we were able to experience a type of soccer that we couldn't experience in Japan, and everyone was able to grow. I want to continue to give my all in tomorrow's game."