Japan

Cerezo Osaka to face Sevilla in July friendly

Cerezo Osaka on Monday announced that they will host Sevilla on July 17 in the StubHub World Match 2017.

The Monday night marquee event at Yanmar Stadium Nagai will be part of the J.League International Series, a two-week period in which several top European clubs are expected to visit Japan for international friendlies.

The match will serve as a reunion of sorts for Cerezo midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake, who joined Sevilla last summer before returning to the J.League this winter.

Five days after facing Cerezo, Sevilla will take on reigning J1 League champions Kashima Antlers at Kashima Stadium.

German titans Dortmund are also scheduled to arrive in Japan to participate in the International Series, with a friendly against Urawa Reds scheduled for July 15 at Saitama Stadium.