VALENCIA, Spain - Japan's 19-year-old attacker Ryunosuke Sato made his Spanish La Liga debut on Saturday as Valencia drew 0-0 at home with Celta in their season opener.
The summer signing from J.League side FC Tokyo was picked to start in attacking midfield by Valencia manager Carlos Corberan. The youngster with five senior caps for Japan played 57 minutes at Mestalla.
"I feel happy to have started a game on a stage I've been aiming for," Sato said. "It was a special moment."
In England, Daizen Maeda made his Premier League debut as promoted Ipswich grabbed a late 2-1 home win over Sunderland to begin the campaign.
The former Celtic speedster started on the left of attacking midfield. While he was unable to find the net, Maeda quickly won over the fans with his pressing and ball-winning capabilities.
"It's only the first match. But I got to know this is the standard," said Maeda, who scored for Japan at the last two World Cups. "I'll be running for the team and aim to take (the chance to score) when it comes my way."
Takehiro Tomiyasu came on as a 72nd-minute substitute, but Crystal Palace lost 2-0 away to Everton after conceding both goals before the defender's introduction.
Tomiyasu left Arsenal by mutual consent last summer following a prolonged battle with a right knee injury and spent the first half of 2026 with Dutch giants Ajax before joining Palace as a free agent later that year.
His countryman Daichi Kamada said, "He has something special with his defending ability."
"Managing to sign him is huge for the club," said the midfielder, who played the entire match for Palace.
