We got a midweek treat for Matchweek 20 in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. Here’s all the action from Wednesday:
Yokohama F·Marinos 3, Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0
The Viola entered as winners of five of their last six, but Marinos bested them with ease. The Tricolor won their sixth straight in a clinical showing that saw three different players score to extend their lead atop the table to five points.
Kashima Antlers 3, Cerezo Osaka 3
Kashima looked set to take a disappointing home loss, but Everaldo scored an astonishing bicycle kick in the 89th minute to earn Antlers a point that could prove crucial in their title chase.
Kawasaki Frontale, Sagan Tosu
Postponed.
Kashiwa Reysol 0, Nagoya Grampus 1
It looked like the Nagoya of old as Mateus struck early and the Grampus defense performed perfectly, preserving the one-goal lead as Kenta Hasegawa’s men moved into the top half of the table.
F.C.Tokyo 3, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 0
Two penalties tilted the match to F.C.Tokyo, with Leandro burying one and Adaílton the other as part of the latter’s brace in a convincing victory for the capital club.
Urawa Reds 2, Kyoto Sanga 2
David Moberg continued his terrific run of form with a brace, but Sanga played well away from home to earn themselves a point.
Júbilo Iwata 0, Avispa Fukuoka 1
Yuya Yamagishi’s goal on a perfect pass from Lukian was the difference as Avipsa won in Iwata.
Shonan Bellmare 1, Gamba Osaka 0
Not even a late red card could slow down Shonan, who have now taken points from six of their last seven matches and are into 13th place.
Vissel Kobe 2, Shimizu S-Pulse 1
Yuya Osako scored an excellent stoppage time winner to send the home crowd wild and move the Ushi out from the bottom of the table.