The first leg of the 2017 J.League Levain Cup quarter-finals took place on Wednesday night, with two home sides earning important leads ahead of Sunday's return leg.

At Todoroki Stadium, Akihiro Ienaga converted from the spot and hammered home from open play late in the second half to give Kawasaki Frontale a 2-0 win over FC Tokyo in the third Tamagawa Clasico of the year.

Meanwhile, Vegalta Sendai romped to a 3-1 victory over Kashima Antlers as Yoshihiro Nakano scored the opener on the hour mark and Hiroaki Okubo followed with a double. 

Antlers responded midway through the second half through via Shoma Doi's consolation goal, which could prove important as a tiebreaker.

Elsewhere, the Kansai Derby between Vissel Kobe and Gamba Osaka finished in a scoreless draw while Cerezo Osaka and Urawa Reds also ended at nil-all.

The second leg will take place on the evening of Sunday, September 3.