J1 League Matchweek 3 Recap: Sanfrecce, Reysol, Zelvia move on top | News

Not only does the Meiji Yasuda J1 League have a new league leader after Matchweek 3, but three clubs have made the leap and find themselves level at the top of the table.

How did they do it? Let’s dive into that and the rest of the action from the Japanese top flight:

Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4, Sagan Tosu 0

Four different scorers powered Sanfrecce to a convincing victory and moved them to the top of the table at the brand new Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.

Júbilo Iwata 0, Kashiwa Reysol 1

Taiyo Koga headed home from a corner kick to give Reysol a big away win in Iwata and move them level atop the J1 summit.

FC Machida Zelvia 1, Kashima Antlers 0

Kashima were in first place last week, but Yu Hirakawa’s goal took down the Antlers, keeping newly-promoted Zelvia undefeated so far in their debut J1 season and level with the league leaders.

FC Tokyo 1, Vissel Kobe 2

FC Tokyo hit first, but Taisei Miyashiro brought Vissel level before Yuya Osako's marvelous free kick from 20 yards gave the reigning champs full points to take back to Kobe.

Albirex Niigata 1, Nagoya Grampus 0

Albirex were better throughout, but it took until the 88th minute before Motoki Hasegawa’s deflected shot found the back of the net and earned the home team a deserved three points.

Cerezo Osaka 2, Tokyo Verdy 1

It looked like this match was bound to be a draw, but Léo Ceará drew and converted a penalty in the dying minutes to earn Cerezo their first victory of the season.

Avispa Fukuoka 1, Shonan Bellmare 1

Wellington scored after six minutes to give Avispa the lead, but Masaki Ikeda answered to earn Shonan a point.

Kawasaki Frontale 0, Kyoto Sanga 1

Kawasaki were undone by Kawasaki in this one. #NextGenJLEAGUE star Sota Kawasaki made the difference as he banged home a rebound for the game’s lone goal, which gave Sanga all three points to take back to Kyoto.