Yokohama FC are the new leaders of the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League following Saturday’s Round 10 action.
Star striker Ibba’s hat-trick propelled the Kanagawa side to a 4-1 win at Roasso Kumamoto, raising them to 20 points with their third win in four matches.
Nagoya Grampus jumped into second with their own 4-1 victory at Thespa Kusatsu, who remain winless with a woeful start of nine losses to the season.
Things seemed uncertain for the J.League co-founders when Yuya Yamagishi scored for the hosts on the verge of half-time, but Yahiro Kazama’s men responded in the final 30 minutes with goals by Ryusuke Sakai, Robin Simovic, Ryo Nagai and Felipe Garcia.
Previous leaders Tokyo Verdy fell to fourth place when they allowed a late goal to Avispa Fukuoka’s Wellington, falling 1-0 at Level 5 Stadium.
Matsumoto Yamaga sent their supporters out of Alwin Stadium satisfied, scoring the most goals of any home side in the round with their 4-0 win over Kamatamare Sanuki.
J2 sides will have just three days of rest ahead of Wednesday’s Round 11, a national holiday which should see a surge in crowds across Japan.