Kashiwa Beat Machida in Key Clash! Erik Strikes Late as Kobe Beat Gamba Osaka [Summary: MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 8]

Two Matchweek 8 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE were played on 20 September, with Kobe moving to the top of the table after beating Gamba Osaka.

Kobe edged Gamba Osaka 1-0 away from home as substitute Erik struck the winner in the 90th minute. The victory made it five wins in a row and lifted Kobe to the top of the table.

Kashiwa came from behind to beat Machida 4-2 away from home. Yusuke Segawa came off the bench to cancel out Machida's 38th-minute opener in the 53rd minute, before Keita Endo put Kashiwa ahead five minutes later. Machida were reduced to 10 men in the 62nd minute, and Yoshio Koizumi made it 3-1 three minutes later. Segawa added his second in the 88th before Machida pulled one back late on.

The win was Kashiwa's second in a row and lifted them to second, while Machida suffered their first defeat of the season.

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Standings

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