Urawa Reds Extend J-League Unbeaten Run To 19 Games

epa03802301 Urawa Reds' defender Yukiabe (red, 2-L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the goal against Arsenal during the Saitama City Cup soccer match between Urawa Red Diamonds and Arsenal FC at Saitama Stadium in Saitama, north of Tokyo, Japan, 26 July 2013. Arsenal FC won the match 2-1. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

First-stage winners Urawa Reds were held to a goalless draw at unfashionable Montedio Yamagata on Wednesday but still extended their unbeaten J-League run this season to 19 games.

While Urawa’s attempts to break down a defensive-minded home side were being frustrated, two-time champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima registered the day’s biggest score with a 6-0 rout over Matsumoto Yamaga to go top after two second-stage games.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima lead the pack

Hiroshima, back-to-back Japanese champions in 2012 and 2013, have six points from two matches, two clear of a chasing pack of six teams, including Urawa.

Midfielder Kosei Shibasaki struck twice for Hiroshima, who were set on their way by a pair of own goals in a game notable for some calamitous defending from the visitors.

FC Tokyo win first points after Yoshinori Muto departure

FC Tokyo showed there was life after Yoshinori Muto as they picked up their first points since selling the Japan striker to German side Mainz with a 3-1 home win over Albirex Niigata.

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Nagoya Grampus upset 2014 champions and domestic treble winners Gamba Osaka thanks to a Kengo Kawamata winner 10 minutes from time.

Southern Japanese side Sagan Tosu finished 1-1 at home to Kawasaki Frontale while once-mighty Kashima Antlers were held to a goalless stalemate by lowly Shimizu S-Pulse.

Yokohama F-Marinos, part-owned by Manchester City, continued to struggle as they were beaten 1-0 by visiting Kashiwa Reysol to slip to 14th in the first division standings.

By AFP

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