On March 8, seven matches were played in Round 5 of the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE, with Kashima Antlers rising to the top of the standings after defeating Kashiwa Reysol.

Facing Kashiwa away, Kashima took the lead in the 26th minute when Leo Ceara netted the opening goal. The Brazilian striker struck again in the 50th minute, extending Kashima's lead to two goals. Although they conceded one, Leo Ceara completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute, sealing a 3-1 victory for Kashima. With this dominant win, Kashima extended their winning streak to four matches and climbed to the top of the table. While, Kashiwa suffered their first defeat of the season.

FC Machida Zelvia traveled to face Yokohama FC and took the lead in the 51st minute through rookie Kanji Kuwayama’s first professional goal. Later, in the 86th minute, Na Sangho added another to secure a 2-0 victory. Gamba Osaka, defended Ryoya Yamashita’s 36th-minute goal to edge out a 1-0 win against Shimizu S-Pulse.

At home against Fagiano Okayama, Urawa Reds took the lead in the 49th minute with a goal from Thiago Santana. That lone goal proved to be the match-winner, giving Urawa their first victory of the season. Meanwhile, Albirex Niigata came from two goals down with goals from Motoki Hasegawa and Michael James to lead, but Tokyo Verdy equalized in the 75th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

The clash between FC TOKYO and Shonan Bellmare ended in a goalless draw, as neither side could find the net. Cerezo Osaka took the lead just before halftime with a goal from Sota Kitano, but Mateus Castro equalized in the 85th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw with Nagoya Grampus.

Fukuoka Secures Second Consecutive Victory by Holding onto a Precious Goal! Kyoto Suffers First Defeat Since the Season Opener

On March 9, Kyoto Sanga F.C. faced Avispa Fukuoka in Round 5 of the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE. From the start, Kyoto dominated possession, but Fukuoka created opportunities with their quick attacking plays.

The match remained scoreless heading into the second half, but Fukuoka increased the pressure and took control. In the 65th minute, Kazuya Konno made a dribbling run into the box and scored the opening goal.

Kyoto fought back in the latter stages, but Fukuoka showed resilience and held onto their crucial lead, securing a 1-0 victory.

With this win, Fukuoka achieved their second consecutive victory, while Kyoto suffered their first defeat since the season opener.

The matches Vissel Kobe vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kawasaki Frontale vs Yokohama F･Marinos are scheduled to be held on the following dates due to their participation in the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two competitions.

The rescheduled dates are as follows:

Kobe vs Hiroshima – July 2

Kawasaki-F vs Yokohama F･M – April 9

Kashiwa Reysol vs. Kashima Antlers - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Yokohama FC vs. FC Machida Zelvia - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Gamba Osaka vs. Shimizu S-Pulse - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Urawa Reds vs. Fagiano Okayama - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Albirex Niigata vs. Tokyo Verdy - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

FC TOKYO vs. Shonan Bellmare - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Cerezo Osaka vs. Nagoya Grampus - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5

Kyoto Sanga F.C. vs. Avispa Fukuoka - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 5