Kashima Come from Behind to Beat Yokohama FM in Dramatic Fashion! Gamba Osaka Win Seven-Goal Thriller [MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 1 Summary]

The 2026/27 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE season kicked off on Friday, with two of the Matchweek 1 fixtures taking place.

Yokohama F. Marinos and Kashima Antlers played out a seven-goal thriller at MUFG Stadium. Yokohama FM took the lead in the seventh minute through 16-year-old Shin Miidera, before Leo Ceara equalised for Kashima four minutes later. Kaina Tanimura restored Yokohama FM's lead in the 18th minute and struck again in the 58th minute to put his side 3-1 ahead.

Kashima refused to give in, however, as Leo Ceara pulled one back in the 81st minute before substitute Cavric converted a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time to level the scores. Three minutes later, Cavric struck again to complete a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory. The match also drew a crowd of 63,960, setting a new all-time J.League attendance record.

There was another seven-goal thriller at Panasonic Stadium Suita, where Gamba Osaka faced Urawa Reds. The visitors took the lead through Hiiro Komori in the 17th minute, but Issam Jebali equalised for Gamba Osaka in the 36th minute before Deniz Hummet completed the turnaround just before half-time.

Urawa fought back in the second half, with Takuro Kaneko equalising in the 78th minute before Harumi Minamino put them ahead against his former club two minutes later. Welton then drew Gamba Osaka level in the 84th minute, before Asahi Uenaka struck the winner in the 86th minute to seal a thrilling 4-3 victory for Gamba Osaka.

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Standings

■Match Data
Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Kashima Antlers
Gamba Osaka vs. Urawa Reds

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