Defending J, League champions Yokohama F. Marinos closed the gap on table-topping Jubilo Iwata after a 2-0 win at home to Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday evening.
Ryuji Bando (left) of Vissel Kobe shots the ball past Jubilo Iwata's Toshihiro
Hattori at Iwata Stadium in Shizuoka Prefecture.
South Korea striker Ahn Jung Hwan and midfielder Yoshiharu Ueno both found the target for the second game in a row as Takeshi Okada's men moved within one point of Iwata, which had to come from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Vissel Kobe.
Jubilo moved on to 31 points with two games of the first stage remaining thanks to a late equalizer from Japan midfielder Takashi Fukunishi.