The Suruga Bank Championship 2017 SAITAMA took place on Tuesday night at Saitama Stadium, with 2016 J.League YBC Levain Cup champions Urawa Reds earning a 1-0 win over Copa Sudamericana holders Chapecoense.
The match was a defensive battle from start to finish, with neither side yielding many big chances.
As the clash headed into stoppage-time 0-0, Reds striker Zlatan was fouled just inside the box to earn a penalty for his side.
Following minutes of strong protests from Chapecoense players, Reds captain Yuki Abe calmly stutter-stepped his way into tournament history as his successful attempt became what would be the only goal of the match.
The result gives Urawa Reds their first-ever Suruga Bank Championship title, denying their tenacious opponents a chance to bring intercontinental silverware back to Brazil.
