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Urawa back on top in Japan
TOKYO (AFP) - Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds beat Kashiwa Reysol 2-0 on Sunday to replace their rivals as J-League leaders.
Yuichiro Nagai set up Brazilian striker Washington's headed opener before former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono got the second on 38 minutes, condemning Kashiwa to their first defeat of the season.
Kashiwa, who only returned to the top flight this season, managed 12 shots on goal but lacked the accuracy needed to get back in the game.
"We dominated the game in the first half and we didn't give a single chance to Kashiwa, that's why we won," said Urawa's coach Holger Osieck.
"Kashiwa changed players and their positions in the second half, trying to score a goal although it was a risky strategy.
"We were a bit defensive against them. Other than that, I'm very satisfied with our performance today."
Urawa remain unbeaten on 14 points, just one ahead of Kashiwa and Gamba Osaka with another three teams on 12 points.
In other games on Sunday, Kawasaki Frontale came back from a goal down to beat Shimizu 2-1, while FC Tokyo were held to a goalless draw by Oita Trinita.
On Saturday, Gamba Osaka also lost their unbeaten record 2-1 to Albirex Niigata. Omiya Ardija beat Nagoya 1-0, while Iwata edged past Yokohama Marinos by the same scoreline.
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