Japan Soccer
J.League
Urawa Reds stand on the verge of lifting their first J-League title after yesterday's matches on the Labor Day national holiday. After their disappointing loss away to Grampus at the weekend, the Saitama giants beat 10-man Ventforet Kofu in front of 57,781 fans at Saitama Stadium - this year's largest J-League attendance.
Gamba Osaka stumbled to a 1-1 draw away to Avispa Fukuoka, which means Urawa can lift the title with a win away to FC Tokyo on Sunday.
In the match in Saitama, Brazilian striker Washington missed two first half penalties but netted a second half brace to settle Reds' nerves. Kofu had defender Michitaka Akimoto sent off after 30 minutes, a decision that swung the match massively in Reds' favor.
Kawasaki Frontale dropped out of contention with a 4-3 loss away to Shimizu. At the bottom Avispa and Cerezo both drew and will battle it out for the play-off spot with the third-placed J2 team. Kyoto Purple Sanga return straight back down to the second tier after a 3-1 loss in front of their own supporters in the ancient capital.
The J-League title race is not all over yet and FC Tokyo will not want to lose again in front of their fans after yesterday's loss to Marinos. The last game of the season sees Saitama host Gamba and that match might still decide which side takes the prize.
It's equally tight at the top of J2 with Yokohama FC, Vissel Kobe and Kawasaki Reysol all in contention for the top two automatic promotion slots.
Saturday 23 November
Cerezo Osaka 1 Nagoya Gampus Eight 1
Urawa Reds 3 Venforet Kofu 0
Kyoto Purple Sanga 1 Jubilo Iwate 3
Avispa Frontale 1 Gamba Osaka 1
Kashima Antlers 5 Albirex Niigata 1
Shimizu S-Pulse 4 Kawasaki Frontale 3
Oita Trinita 1 Omiya Ardija 2
JEF United 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1
FC Tokyo 1 Yokohama F Marinos 2
Leading Positions
Reds P32 Pts 68
Gamba P32 Pts 63
Frontale P32 Pts 61
S-Pulse P32 Pts 57
Jubilo P32 Pts 55
Antlers P32 Pts 55
J2
Yokohama FC P46 Pts 87
Vissel Kobe P46 Pts 85
Reysol P46 Pts 85
Sagan P46 Pts 76
Vegalta Sendai P46 Pts 7
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