Marcus Tulio Tanaka played through the pain barrier and capped another imperious display with a goal as Urawa Reds moved three points clear at the top of the J. League with a 2-0 win over JEF United Chiba on Saturday.
Chiba was reduced to 10 men before Washington put Urawa on its way with his 18th goal of the season, and despite a courageous second-half performance from the visitors, Japan defender Tanaka made the points safe with a towering header at Saitama Stadium 2002.
With eight games remaining, Urawa has 58 points with Gamba stuck on 55 after the defending champions went down 3-2 away to Jubilo Iwata.