Sanfrecce Hiroshima consigned J-League first-division debutants and leaders Machida Zelvia to their first defeat Wednesday, holding on to a 2-1 away win to move up to second and maintain their own unbeaten start to the season.
Yuki Ohashi's 31st-minute strike and Makoto Mitsuta's 55th-minute penalty proved enough for Hiroshima at rainy Machida Gion Stadium, where the home side halved the deficit with eight minutes to go through an Ohashi own goal but saw their four-game winning run come to an end.
"I'm relieved. We were facing the league leaders showing great momentum but were determined to come away with all three points," said Ohashi, whose fourth goal of the campaign helped send Hiroshima to second in the table on 12 points, one behind Machida who remain top.
While both teams lined up in identical three-at-the-back setups, Hiroshima showed their individual superiority to dominate a tense first half and scored with the game's first real chance as Machida conceded the opener for the first time in the top tier.
Left wingback Shunki Higashi picked up a loose ball inside the opposing half and found an unmarked Mitsuta before the midfielder drove into the box to lay the ball off for Ohashi, leaving the forward to show some good touches before prodding past keeper Kosei Tani.
Machida's half-time substitute Hokuto Shimoda then had a nightmare start after the defender's tackle floored Hiroshima captain Sho Sasaki inside the box Mitsuta put away the spot kick awarded after a pitch-side monitor check.
Machida reverted to their usual back four and started to play further up the pitch before getting a goal back when a long throw was headed into his own net by Ohashi, but Sanfrecce staved off the home side's late pressure to hang on to three points.
"Hiroshima were fast to react from the start and picked up lots of loose balls," Machida manager Go Kuroda said. "As we try to go a level above, we had a good lesson to learn, seeing how sophisticated they were as a team."
Elsewhere, Cerezo Osaka remained unbeaten but missed out on a chance to move top after settling for a 1-1 draw at Kashiwa Reysol, placing third on goal difference. Reigning champions Vissel Kobe are fourth after a goalless draw at Sagan Tosu.
Avispa Fukuoka beat Kashima Antlers 1-0, unbeaten Gamba Osaka drew 0-0 with Kyoto Sanga and Nagoya Grampus won 2-1 at winless Consadole Sapporo for their third straight victory.
FC Tokyo edged Urawa Reds 2-1 and Jubilo Iwata beat Albirex Niigata 2-0, while promoted Tokyo Verdy won their first game, 2-1 at Shonan Bellmare.
