Marinos do it the hard way but are finally in an AFC Champions League final
Marinos have finally reached an ACL final -- but they certainly didn't make it easy for themselves.
Big guns loom large at AFC U-23 Asian Cup with dominant early displays
Early frontrunners have emerged at the U-23 Asian Cup, and it is unsurprisingly some of the usual suspects.
Five things to keep an eye on as Asian qualifiers for World Cup return
After a four-month hiatus, the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup returns this week -- and there's plenty to keep a close eye on.
Al Hilal looking unstoppable as ACL uncovers its final four
As the semifinal lineup for the 2023-24 AFC Champions League was finalised this week, Al Hilal are looming large in their charge to a record fifth title.
Japan advance at Asian Cup but both they and Indonesia left facing nervous wait
Japan are through to the Asian Cup last 16 but, like Indonesia, will now face a nervous wait with a potential heavyweight clash awaiting them.
Iraq pull off massive upset to raise more doubts over Japan's Asian Cup credentials
Iraq have pulled off a massive upset at the AFC Asian Cup to raise more doubts over Japan's title credentials.
Japan's goalkeeping conundrum could be biggest obstacle to their Asian Cup challenge
Japan are one of the big favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup, but their biggest obstacle could come in the form of themselves.
Japan survive scare in Asian Cup opener but valiant defeat bodes well for Vietnam
Japan have survived a scare to open their Asian Cup campaign with a victory -- but the match also provided plenty of positives for the beaten Vietnam.
Juan Mata leaves Japan champions Vissel Kobe
Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata has left Vissel Kobe following the expiration of his contract, the club announced on Saturday.
Whatever happened to Japan's 2002 World Cup stars who formed the first wave to Europe?
With the retirement of Shinji Ono, only one member from Japan's star-studded 2002 World Cup squad remains active -- but whatever happened to them?
Shinji Ono might have gone quietly into the night but his genius will linger long in the memory
Shinji Ono called time on his storied career amid minimal fanfare at the age of 44 but his genius will linger for those who witnessed him at his peak.
Vissel finally complete longer-than-expected journey to becoming champions of Japan
It has been a wild ride for them to get there -- but Vissel Kobe are finally champions of Japan after clinching the J1 League title on Saturday.
Who's on course and who's in trouble at halfway mark of the ACL group stage?
With the 2023-24 AFC Champions League group stage at its halfway mark, who's on course for the last 16? And who's in danger of missing out?
Stars announce arrival, ASEAN hopefuls back on track: What we learned from match day 2 of the ACL
Some big names announced their arrival in the AFC Champions League while there was joy for a number of ASEAN hopefuls on match day 2.
What we learned as 2023-24 AFC Champions League got underway
From mixed results for Saudi Arabia's giants to slow starts by Southeast Asia's hopefuls, here's what we learned from the opening action of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.
Albirex reign supreme in Singapore again with new era beckoning
A new adventure awaits Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (S) as they transition to a local outfit starting 2024.
Vissel Kobe confirm signing of Juan Mata
Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata has joined Vissel Kobe on a free transfer, the Japanese club announced on Sunday.
Kagawa on target as Cerezo put four past Consadole (1:55)
Keepers make comical errors as Urawa, Frontale share spoils (2:08)
Barca reunite with Iniesta in friendly win vs. Kobe
Mexico international Julian Araujo made his long-awaited Barcelona debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Tuesday as Andres Iniesta played his final game for the Japanese club.
As J.League celebrates 30th anniversary, Japanese football has certainly come a long way
As the J.League celebrates its 30th anniversary, have the first three decades of the professional era in Japanese football been a success?
Japan legend Honda departs Cambodia with legacy of vibrancy and excitement -- and not just from stunning touchline fashion
Departing Cambodia manager Keisuke Honda leaves behind a vibrant and exciting legacy -- and not just because of his colourful touchline attire.
After storied career in Europe, success with Urawa following return to Japan is Sakai's crowning glory
For all that he achieved in his time in Europe, Hiroki Sakai's crowning glory has arguably arrived now that he is back in Japan.
ACL specialists Urawa get job done again to dethrone Al Hilal as kings of Asia
As they won a third AFC Champions League crown on Saturday, Urawa Red Diamonds once again just found a way to get the job done.
Glory awaits either Urawa or Al Hilal with ACL final still anyone's game
With glory awaiting either Urawa Red Diamonds or Al Hilal, the AFC Champions League 2022 is still anyone's game ahead of Saturday's second leg.
Japanese J1 League Ladder
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machida Zelvia | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | +5 | 19 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | +6 | 18 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | +9 | 17 |
| Vissel Kobe | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | +8 | 17 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | +1 | 16 |
| Gamba Osaka | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 15 |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | +3 | 14 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | +1 | 13 |
| Kashima Antlers | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 13 |
| FC Tokyo | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Albirex Niigata | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | -1 | 12 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 11 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 9 | 2 | 5 | 2 | -1 | 11 |
| Jubilo Iwata | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 10 |
| Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | -1 | 9 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -1 | 8 |
| Sagan Tosu | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -7 | 7 |
| Shonan Bellmare | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -6 | 6 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -6 | 6 |
| Consadole Sapporo | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -11 | 6 |