Kyoto Sanga F.C. climbed to the top of the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE table as Match Week 11 got underway on Saturday, coming from a goal down to beat Albirex Niigata 2-1 at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM.
Ken Yamura gave Niigata the lead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute - confidently stroking his fourth goal of the season beyond the despairing dive of Kyoto goalkeeper Gu Sung Yun after Jin Okumura was fouled in the area by Shimpei Fukuoka - and it remained 1-0 to the hosts at the break.
Kyoto came out strongly at the start of the second half, and almost equalised in the 63rd minute when Taiki Hirato headed just off target after a deep cross to the far post had eluded everyone including Niigata goalkeeper Kazuki Fujita.
The visitors were celebrating 10 minutes later though, as Rafael Elias struck his eighth goal of the season, moving level at the top of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE scoring charts with Leo Ceara of Kashima Antlers.
Taichi Hara swept the ball in behind from a position on the left flank, and Rafael Elias reacted sharpest to snatch possession ahead of Niigata defender Hayato Inamura before slotting home with the outside of his left boot.
The Brazilian then headed just wide and had to receive treatment after landing awkwardly on his shoulder in the 80th minute, but he was back amongst the action shortly afterwards and turned provider as Kyoto moved ahead.
A long throw down the left flank was headed on by Taichi Hara, and after Rafael Elias flicked the ball in behind substitute Masaya Okugawa took full advantage of some miscommunication in the Niigata defence to prod beyond Fujita and make it 2-1.
The victory moved Kyoto two points ahead of second-placed Avispa Fukuoka having played two games more, while Niigata remain in 19th place with just one win to their name so far this season.
Albirex Niigata vs. Kyoto Sanga F.C. - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 11
