Friday saw two MEIJI YASUDA J1 League fixtures played as part of the league’s effort to reduce fixture congestion for AFC Champions League participants.

At Ajinomoto Stadium FC Tokyo earned a narrow 1-0 win over Vissel Kobe thanks to Takuma Abe’s 88th-minute goal. 

The late strike was a relief to over 11,000 fans who braved low temperatures and few shots on goal from either side.

Gamba Osaka also found joy at home, winning 2-1 over Omiya Ardija. 

Yasuyuki Konno and Hiroyuki Abe both found the back of the net early in the second half, with Akihiro Ienaga pulling one back for the visitors in additional time.

The third round of the 2016 season continues on Saturday, with seven fixtures being played across Japan.