The 2017 J1 Promotion Playoff Final took place on Sunday, with Nagoya Grampus earning the last ticket to the J1 after a 0-0 draw against Avispa Fukuoka.

Avispa were aggressive in the opening exchanges, but the pace shifted to Grampus’ advantage as time went on. Wingbacks Ryota Aoki and Ryuji Izumi both laid siege on the Avispa goal on separate occasions, narrowly missing their chances

The second half played out as a midfield stalemate, but Avispa pressed forward on a power play as they looked for the goal they needed to earn promotion. 

However, Grampus remained sturdy on defense, refusing to concede and holding on to the crucial draw.

Following their first-ever relegation in 2016, Grampus will now immediately return to the top flight alongside J2 champions Shonan Bellmare and runners-up V-Varen Nagasaki.