Match Week 29 in the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE got underway with some heavyweight clashes on Friday night, as five of the top six and one side battling against relegation came head to head.
Ultimately nothing could separate the sides across the three games, as FC Machida Zelvia drew 1-1 with Yokohama FC, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kyoto Sanga F.C. also shared the points after a 1-1 draw, and things ended scoreless between Vissel Kobe and Kashiwa Reysol.
Yokohama FC, 19th in the table but still well within range of survival, took the lead away to FC Machida in the 56th minute, when centre-back Makito Ito snuck in behind to tuck home a long throw into the area from debutant Kyo Hosoi.
It looked as though that was going to be enough to lift Yokohama FC out of the danger zone, but substitute Mitchell Duke equalised for FC Machida with two minutes remaining at Machida GION Stadium, heading in from close range after Yuki Soma had nodded the ball back across goal.
There was also a late equaliser at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA, as Kyoto battled back against Hiroshima to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games and keep hold of top spot.
Sho Sasaki got the scoring started for the hosts in the 63rd minute, following up to nudge home from inside the six-yard box after a Kosuke Kinoshita attempt sparked some pinball in the Kyoto goalmouth.
The league leaders refused to be beaten, however, and as so often this season Rafael Elias was the hero for Kyoto, turning sharply after receiving a low ball into the area from Marco Tulio before slotting crisply into the bottom corner in the 88th minute.
In the day’s other game, neither Kobe nor Kashiwa were able to make sure of victory at NOEVIR Stadium Kobe, with each ultimately having to settle for a point apiece after a goalless stalemate.
The three draws leave things incredibly tight at both ends of the table, with the top six now separated by just four points and things still all to play for at the bottom as well.
Kyoto remain first on 55 points, with Kashiwa and Kobe in second and third on 54, two points ahead of fourth-placed Kashima Antlers. FC Machida and Hiroshima sit fifth and sixth, both on 51 points.
Although Yokohama FC’s point edged them slightly closer to safety, they remain second from bottom, one point behind Shonan Bellmare and local rivals Yokohama F･Marinos, and five adrift of Nagoya Grampus.
FC Machida Zelvia vs. Yokohama FC | 2025 J1 LEAGUE | MW29
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Kyoto Sanga F.C. | 2025 J1 LEAGUE | MW29
Vissel Kobe vs. Kashiwa Reysol | 2025 J1 LEAGUE | MW29
