Tatsuya Tanaka and Emerson scored first-half goals Saturday as Urawa Reds beat crosstown rival Omiya Ardija 2-1 to go top of Group A in the J. League Nabisco Cup first round.
Athens Olympic team striker Tanaka pounced on a rebound following Emerson's shot to open the scoring in the 16th minute at Komaba Stadium and Emerson doubled the lead for the home side eight minutes later.
Omiya pulled one back through Daisuke Tomita in the 65th minute but it was not enough to keep the first-division newcomer on top of the group table.
Urawa has four points from two matches to Omiya's three.