The score was enough for Urawa Reds to earn three points on Saturday, but the road there was hardly scenic.
Urawa labored to a 1-0 win over Vegalta Sendai on Saturday, despite spending roughly 40 minutes with a man advantage.
Although expected heavy rain for kickoff never materialized, there was a strong wind throughout. That plus the chilly conditions were enough to keep fans away from Saitama Stadium, with a reported attendance of just 28,904.