Urawa Reds picked up their first points of the new J. League season with a 3-1 win over Cerezo Osaka on Saturday.
Reds, who finished top of the overall table last season only to lose the championship final against Kashima Antlers, began the 2017 campaign with a shock defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos but took control against promoted Cerezo with first-half goals from Yuki Muto and Shinzo Koroki.
New Brazilian signing Rafael Silva added a third early in the second half, and although a goal from Cerezo defender Matej Jonjic seven minutes later checked Urawa's momentum, the home side held on to claim the win at Saitama Stadium.