Kashima Antlers vs Urawa Reds

Urawa Reds snapped a lengthy losing run against Kashima Antlers, grinding out a 0-1 win on the road despite being second-best for long spells. It was Urawa's first victory over their rivals in roughly five and a half years, stretching back to April 2021. The only goal came in the 20th minute, and it was a gift: a corner whipped in by Ryoma Watanabe was punched out by goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa, only for the ball to cannon off forward Yuma Suzuki and loop into his own net. Bookings followed for Danilo Boza, Tatsuki Seko, Aleksandar Cavric and Kenta Nemoto, but no further goals arrived despite Kashima dominating possession and shots. For Urawa Reds, switching to a back three paid off with their first clean sheet of the season, moving them up to 10th place. For Kashima Antlers, last season's champions, it was a frustrating afternoon in which star striker Leo Ceara was kept off the scoresheet for the first time this season.