Japanese players perform in Bundesliga matches

Hoffenheim defender Hiroki Machida contributed to a 3-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga Matchday 7. This marked his first clean sheet since returning from a major injury, a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, which had sidelined him during the North/Central America World Cup qualifiers. Machida has started four consecutive matches and is aiming for a return to the Japan national team during the November series.

In a separate match, Freiburg midfielder Michiru Yamamoto made his Bundesliga debut against Bayern Munich. Entering the game in the 58th minute with his team trailing 0-2, Yamamoto influenced the play and helped induce an own goal in the 82nd minute. Despite his performance, Freiburg ultimately lost the match 1-3 to the league leaders.