Brazilian striker Edmilson scored the only goal of the game to give Urawa Red Diamonds a 1-0 win over JEF United Chiba and send them to the top of the J-League on Saturday. Edmilson nodded home from close range on a pass from Naoki Yamada in the 58th minute, while Urawa's tight defence shut out Chiba.
Urawa now have five wins, one draw and one defeat, with a total of 16 points, two points above Albirex Niigata and defending champions Kashima Antlers. Niigata were 1-0 winners over Omiya Ardija thanks to Brazilian Marcio Richardes who fired a 23-metre shot in injury time.