Brazilian striker Ueslei scored a hat trick as Nagoya Grampus Eight came from behind to defeat 10-man Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 on Sunday.
The win kept alive Nagoya's slim second-stage title hopes while denying Yokohama, which is chasing a two-stage double, a return to the top of the standings.
With three matches of the stage remaining, Nagoya has 18 points and is four behind Urawa Reds, who are top, and two behind Yokohama, which is in a four-way tie for second place with Tokyo Verdy, FC Tokyo, and defending champion Jubilo Iwata.
FC Tokyo thrashed relegation-threatened Vissel Kobe 4-1 in Sunday's other match.