Champions Kashima Antlers maintained their early lead at the top of the J.League table after recording a 2-0 victory against Albirex Niigata on Wednesday.
Japan forward Yuzo Tashiro headed home after 15 minutes to open the scoring before midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara doubled the advantage nine minutes before the hour mark.
The Antlers were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes remaining after Masashi Motoyama collected his second yellow card, but the table-toppers survived to maintain a two-point cushion over second-placed Nagoya Grampus Eight who recorded a 2-1 win at Omiya Ardija.
After falling behind to Daisuke Tomita's 26th-minute strike, Takahiro Masukawa and Brazilian midfielder Magum in Omiya scored twice just before the hour mark to claim all three points and complete the comeback.
Third-placed Yokohama F. Marinos sit a further point adrift after Koji Yamase scored twice in a 3-0 victory over FC Tokyo, while fourth-placed Vissel Kobe earned a 1-1 draw with JEF United Chiba courtesy of Norio Suzuki's 88th-minute free-kick.
At the National Stadium in Tokyo, Takumi Wada's second-half own goal proved crucial as Jubilo Iwata picked up their second win of the new season after recording a 2-1 victory over Tokyo Verdy.
Brazilian Gilsinho opened the scoring for Jubilo Iwata in the first half after converting from close range following good work from midfielder Kota Ueda.
And despite the home side coming back into the game, inspired by midfielder Hiroki Kawagno, Wada diverted a free-kick from former Japan midfielder Hiroshi Nanami into his own net.
Verdy replied with 10 minutes remaining as forward Kazuki Hiramoto chipped the ball over advancing Jubilo goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and defender Kenichi Kaga from just inside the area.
The home side had a chance to snatch a point with three minutes remaining, but Takashi Fukunishi headed wide from close range as Verdy remained on just one point and second bottom in the table.
Elsewhere, North Korea forward Jong Tae Se scored twice as Kawasaki Frontale recorded a 2-0 victory against Consadole Sapporo, while Japan Under-23 forward Tadanari Lee scored as Kashiwa Reysol edged out Kyoto Sanga and Bare's 76th-minute strike helped Gamba Osaka record a 2-1 victory over Oita Trinita
Finally, Urawa Reds continued their recovery after coming from behind to record a 2-1 victory against Shimizu S-Pulse to move up to eighth place - six points off the early pace set by the Antlers.
The Antlers were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes remaining after Masashi Motoyama collected his second yellow card, but the table-toppers survived to maintain a two-point cushion over second-placed Nagoya Grampus Eight who recorded a 2-1 win at Omiya Ardija.
After falling behind to Daisuke Tomita's 26th-minute strike, Takahiro Masukawa and Brazilian midfielder Magum in Omiya scored twice just before the hour mark to claim all three points and complete the comeback.
Third-placed Yokohama F. Marinos sit a further point adrift after Koji Yamase scored twice in a 3-0 victory over FC Tokyo, while fourth-placed Vissel Kobe earned a 1-1 draw with JEF United Chiba courtesy of Norio Suzuki's 88th-minute free-kick.
At the National Stadium in Tokyo, Takumi Wada's second-half own goal proved crucial as Jubilo Iwata picked up their second win of the new season after recording a 2-1 victory over Tokyo Verdy.
Brazilian Gilsinho opened the scoring for Jubilo Iwata in the first half after converting from close range following good work from midfielder Kota Ueda.
And despite the home side coming back into the game, inspired by midfielder Hiroki Kawagno, Wada diverted a free-kick from former Japan midfielder Hiroshi Nanami into his own net.
Verdy replied with 10 minutes remaining as forward Kazuki Hiramoto chipped the ball over advancing Jubilo goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and defender Kenichi Kaga from just inside the area.
The home side had a chance to snatch a point with three minutes remaining, but Takashi Fukunishi headed wide from close range as Verdy remained on just one point and second bottom in the table.
Elsewhere, North Korea forward Jong Tae Se scored twice as Kawasaki Frontale recorded a 2-0 victory against Consadole Sapporo, while Japan Under-23 forward Tadanari Lee scored as Kashiwa Reysol edged out Kyoto Sanga and Bare's 76th-minute strike helped Gamba Osaka record a 2-1 victory over Oita Trinita
Finally, Urawa Reds continued their recovery after coming from behind to record a 2-1 victory against Shimizu S-Pulse to move up to eighth place - six points off the early pace set by the Antlers.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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