J1 League Matchweek 13 Recap: Reigning champions Vissel go top | News

There’s a new team atop the Meiji Yasuda J1 League table, and it’s last year’s champions. Let’s see how Vissel Kobe rose to first place and everything else from Matchweek 13.

Cerezo Osaka 1, Vissel Kobe 4

Vissel were absolutely dominant in Osaka, scoring three times between the 38th and 49th minutes to pick up three points and go top of the table.

Shonan Bellmare 0, FC Machida Zelvia 0

Zelvia struggled to keep the ball or hit on the counter as they slumped to a draw that took them out of first place, while Bellmare were happy to have a point that kept them out of the drop zone.

Kashima Antlers 3, Tokyo Verdy 3

What. A. Game. Antlers jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but Verdy fought back with three goals from the 69th minute on, capped by Tomoya Mika’s stoppage-time equalizer for a stunning draw in Kashima.

FC Tokyo 3, Kashiwa Reysol 3

FC Tokyo had a 3-1 lead as halftime drew near thanks to a spectacular Kuryu Matsuki goal, but a red card to Go Hatano took them down to 10 men. Reysol capitalized on the advantage in the second half as Tomoya Inukai and Takuya Shimamura scored to split the points in the capital.

Nagoya Grampus 0, Gamba Osaka 1

Isa Sakamoto was key to Gamba's success yet again. The #NextGenJLEAGUE star got free in front of goal, and while his shot was saved, Takeru Kishimoto was there to bang in the rebound to win away against Grampus.

Albirex Niigata 2, Urawa Reds 4

Last year's AFC Champions League winners continue to rise up the table after a big win in Niigata. Thiago Santana led the way for Urawa once again, scoring first and last as the Reds made it three wins from their last four.

Kyoto Sanga 2, Avispa Fukuoka 3

Avispa have an eight-match unbeaten streak going after a hard-fought win in Kyoto. Ryoga Sato, Masaya Tashiro, and Kazuya Konno all found the back of the net as last year's J.League YBC Levain Cup winners continue to cook.