Kashiwa Reysol flew the flag high for Japan on the J. League's 20th birthday on Wednesday with a 2-0 first-leg win away to South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors in the Asian Champions League round of 16.
Kashiwa, the only Japanese team left in this year's competition, went in front through an early header from Masato Kudo. Goalkeeper Takanori Sugeno pulled off a string of fine saves to protect their lead, and Tatsuya Masushima powered home the second with 16 minutes left to put the 2011 Japanese champions firmly in the driver's seat ahead of the second leg at Hitachi Stadium next Wednesday.
"It was a great cross from Jorge and although heading is not my strong point, my goal helped us relax," said Kudo.