MEIJI YASUDA J2 League leaders Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo were dealt an unexpected blow in their title quest with a 2-1 home loss to Tokyo Verdy.

The team’s nine-game undefeated streak was snapped thanks to goals from Verdy’s Daisuke Takagi and Douglas Veira at the 30 and 60 minute marks, with Consadole defender Akito Fukumori cutting the deficit in half with 13 minutes remaining.

Elsewhere, 2-1 was also the scoreline at Nagaragawa Stadium where relegation-threatened FC Gifu fell to playoff-chasing Machida Zelvia. 

Evandro gave the hosts the lead shortly before the hour mark, but a late collapse saw the team allow goals to Tatsuya Yazawa and Teruhito Nakagawa late in the second half.