Tokyo Verdy Claim First Win of Season; Asano Scores on Return as Hiroshima Hit Four [Summary: MEIJI YASUDA J1 Matchweek 12]

Five Matchweek 12 fixtures in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE were played on 24 October, with Tokyo Verdy claiming their long-awaited first victory of the season against Fukuoka.

Tokyo Verdy beat Fukuoka 3-1 at home to secure their first win in 12 matches and move off the bottom of the table. Issei Kumatoriya opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and although Fukuoka equalised, Yuan Matsuhashi restored Verdy's lead in the 74th. Shimon Teranuma added a third in the 90th minute to seal the victory.

The top-of-the-table clash between Kobe and Machida ended goalless, with both sides creating chances but unable to find a breakthrough. The point was enough for Machida to retain top spot.

Hiroshima cruised to a 4-0 home victory over Shimizu. Taishi Matsumoto broke the deadlock in the 41st minute before Takuma Asano doubled the lead in the 50th with his first goal since returning to the club. Hiroshima added two more goals, including one from Akito Suzuki, to complete the convincing win.

Kashiwa came from behind to beat Kashima 3-2 away from home. Keita Endo cancelled out Kashima's opener in the 35th minute before Hinata Yamauchi put Kashiwa ahead just before half-time. Yamauchi struck again in the 59th minute to extend the lead, and although Kashima pulled one back, Kashiwa held on for all three points.

Gamba Osaka were held to a 2-2 home draw by Kyoto after conceding a late equaliser. Takashi Usami put Gamba ahead in the 31st minute, scoring for the second consecutive match, but Kyoto drew level eight minutes later. Issam Jebali restored Gamba's lead in the 65th minute, only for Takumi Kato to equalise two minutes into second-half stoppage time.

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Standings

■Match Data
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Shimizu S-Pulse
Kashima Antlers vs Kashiwa Reysol
Tokyo Verdy vs Avispa Fukuoka
Vissel Kobe vs Machida Zelvia
Gamba Osaka vs Kyoto Sanga

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