The J.League YBC Levain Cup Group Stage continued on Wednesday with six matches taking across the two groups.

Group A leaders Vegalta Sendai fell behind in the 13th minute against Kashiwa Reysol, but were saved by Crislan’s stunning equaliser in the 94th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw.

FC Tokyo rose to second place after coming out on top in a wild 4-3 win over Omiya Ardija. The match featured a ‘J1’ return for previously-injured midfielder Takuji Yonemoto and a cameo by 15-year-old Takefusa Kubo, in what will likely be the youngster’s last J.League appearance before the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Boosted by Adailton’s brace, Jubilo Iwata claimed Shizuoka Derby bragging rights and third place with a 4-2 win at Shimizu S-Pulse.

Vissel Kobe held on to the Group B lead with their fourth straight win, this time a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Ventforet Kofu. 

Junya Tanaka scored the game-winner for Vissel, while Ventforet defender Yukio Tsuchiya became the oldest goalscorer in tournament history at 42 years, nine months, and 10 days.

Elsewhere, Yusuke Maruhashi’s goal gave Cerezo Osaka a late 1-0 win over Albirex Niigata, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima earning an identical result against Sagan Tosu after Felipe Silva’s effort.