Japan internationals were in action for their European clubs across the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League from 19 to 23 October, with mixed fortunes. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki started and played the full 90 minutes for Aston Villa in a 3-1 Champions League win over Viking on 21 October. The national team is currently on an unbeaten run of four matches, with three wins and a draw, and next faces Brazil at home on 14 November.
Champions League Appearances
In the Champions League, defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe came off the bench in the 79th minute for Feyenoord, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, also on 21 October.
Europa and Conference League Action
The following day saw four Japanese players feature in the Europa League and Europa Conference League. Keito Nakamura played the full match for Lyon, who lost 3-0 to 1899 Hoffenheim in the same competition. Daichi Kamada completed the full 90 minutes for Crystal Palace in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Beşiktaş.
This club form provides a foundation as the national team prepares for its next fixture, a high-profile friendly against Brazil at home on 14 November. Japan's recent results show an unbeaten run of four matches, with three wins and a draw. The sequence includes a 2-1 victory over New Zealand on 5 October, a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, a 2-1 win over Venezuela, and a 3-1 victory over Uruguay. In the win over New Zealand, goals came from Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan. The match against Brazil will be a key test for the European-based contingent.
