Defending Champions Machida Edge Tochigi City 2-1! Kashima, Kashiwa, Kyoto, Gamba Osaka and Kobe Reach Round of 16 [Summary: EMPEROR'S CUP Round 3]

Six third-round matches in the EMPEROR'S CUP were played on 23 September, with all six J1 clubs advancing to the Round of 16.

Kashima took the lead against Kofu through Leo Ceara in the 34th minute before Minato Yoshida doubled their advantage in the 54th. New signing Sho Omori added a third eight minutes later, and although Kofu pulled one back late on, Kashima ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.

Kashiwa cruised to a 4-0 victory over Imabari, with Mao Hosoya among the scorers. Defending champions Machida, meanwhile, edged Tochigi City 2-1, with Koki Ogawa striking the winner in the 70th minute.

Gamba Osaka cruised to a 5-0 victory over Tokushima. Takashi Usami opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Ryoya Yamashita doubled their advantage in the 57th. Deniz Hummet added a third seven minutes later, before Ginjiro Ikegaya and Ryotaro Meshino struck late on to complete the scoring.

Erik's 78th-minute goal proved to be the winner as Kobe edged Tosu 1-0. Kyoto also claimed a 1-0 victory, with Everton Maceio striking in the 88th minute to see off Fujieda.