The Thai Life Insurance J.LEAGUE ASIA CHALLENGE 2023/24 powered by MEIJI YASUDA is back and it features a tasty clash between Cerezo Osaka and BG Pathum United at BG Stadium in Thailand.

Cerezo bring some serious star power to the match. Shinji Kagawa leads the way, with a glittering legacy in the J.League, across Europe, and for the Japan national team. Léo Ceará and newcomer Vitor Bueno are sure to bring some dynamic Brazilian flair to the Sakura side too, creating a triumvirate of brilliant attacking talent that is sure to thrill the Thai fans.

The match serves as a crucial part of Cerezo’s preseason. Expectations are high in 2024 on the pink side of Osaka and the start of the season is only weeks away. They need to make sure they’re ready to kick off the season in top form, and BG Pathum United are a great opponent to help get them there.

The Rabbits are fourth in Thai League 1, but only five points off the top and chasing the AFC places as they get ready to restart their season.

The Thai side has a pair of familiar faces in Chanathip Songkrain and Teerasil Dangda. Chanathip played in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League from 2017 until 2023, first with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, where he was a J.League Best XI selection, and then at Kawasaki Frontale, where he was part of a title challenging side.

The legendary Teerasil spent time in the Japanese top flight as well, suiting up for Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Shimizu S-Pulse.

The Thai Life Insurance J.LEAGUE ASIA CHALLENGE 2023/24 powered by MEIJI YASUDA is part of the J.League’s Asia Strategy to grow the sport across the continent. It has been a massive success, with several editions of the event in Thailand already generating great excitement, including Sapporo’s 1-1 draw with Muangthong United in December of last year.

All the action kicks off on Friday at 19:00 local time. For full details, please visit our event website and purchase your tickets on our ticket site.