Manabu Saito struck early in the second half to put Yokohama F. Marinos in control of the J. League title race with a 1-0 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Saturday.
Defending champions Sanfrecce went into the game at Nissan Stadium in first place ahead of Marinos only on goal difference, but Japan winger Saito's 55th-minute dribble and shot was enough to settle a tight encounter and send Marinos two points clear at the top with five games of the season remaining.
"Since we played Urawa Reds in the league (on Aug. 28), I haven't been able to play as well I would have liked, and I have had injuries and suspensions so I'm happy I could make a contribution in such an important game as this," said Saito, who scored his fourth goal of the season. "We were confident we could beat Hiroshima, and I think we played well from start to finish.