Machida Fight Back to Stay Unbeaten! Hiroshima Hit Six as Ayukawa Scores Hat-Trick [Summary: MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 7]

Six Matchweek 7 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE were played on 12 September.

League leaders Machida fell behind to Yokohama F. Marinos at MUFG Stadium in the 12th minute, but Henry Heroki Mochizuki equalised in the 84th to earn a 1-1 draw and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Hiroshima produced a six-goal rout at home to Cerezo Osaka. Akito Suzuki opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Shun Ayukawa doubled their lead eight minutes later. Suzuki struck again just before half-time to give Hiroshima a three-goal advantage at the break. Shuto Nakano added a fourth in the 55th minute before Ayukawa scored again in the 57th and 80th minutes to complete his hat-trick. Cerezo pulled one back late on, but Hiroshima ran out 6-1 winners to move up to fourth.

FC Tokyo cruised to a 2-0 away victory over Gamba Osaka thanks to goals from Soma Anzai and Motoki Nagakura. Kawasaki Frontale held on to the lead given to them by Marcinho's 59th-minute goal to beat Mito 1-0.

Shimizu beat Fukuoka 1-0 at home to claim their first win since the opening match. After a goalless first half, Yudai Shimamoto struck the winner in the 71st minute. Nagasaki also claimed their first win since the opening match, beating Nagoya 2-0 thanks to goals from Matheus Jesus and Thiago Santana.

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Standings

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