The Group Stage of the 2018 J.League YBC Levain Cup hit its halfway point on Wednesday night as participating clubs took part in the third round of action.

Yokohama F. Marinos kept their Group A lead thanks to Sho Ito’s brace in a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Albirex Niigata. Vegalta Sendai rose to second in the group with a 3-0 win over FC Tokyo featuring Ryo Germain’s opener and a Koji Hachisuka brace.

In Group B, Koya Kitagawa and Chong Tese scored for Shimizu S-Pulse in a 2-1 win over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Jubilo Iwata needed late heroics from substitute Daigo Araki, who scored twice for a 3-2 win against Ventforet Kofu. Those results leave S-Pulse, Jubilo, and Ventforet tied at six points, with Consadole yet to earn a result after three matches.

Group C leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima hosted Urawa Reds, who managed a scoreless draw under interim manager Tsuyoshi Otsuki. In the group’s other match, Gamba Osaka striker Shun Nagasawa ran rampant with four goals in a 4-1 win at Nagoya Grampus to lift Gamba into second place.

Vissel Kobe easily handled hosts Shonan Bellmare for a 3-0 win in Group D, maintaining their grip on first place. V-Varen Nagasaki trail Vissel in goal difference after a 3-2 win against Sagan Tosu, who are the only side in the group without a point.

The next match day will take place on Wednesday, April 18.