J.League wrap: Nagoya stay third, Gamba close behind

Nagoya Grampus maintained third spot in the J.League with a 2-1 victory over Jubilo Iwata on Sunday.

It was their 14th game unbeaten in the Japanese top flight, and their sixth consecutive win, as they moved back into the Asian Champions League places, just two points from leaders Kashiwa Reysol with a game in hand.

It was not all smooth sailing for the hosts at Nagoya Mizuho Athletic Stadium, as Jubilo’s Hidetaka Kanazono opened the scoring on 19 minutes.

Yoshizumi Ogawa equalised for Nagoya nine minutes later, with the midfielder scoring his first goal of 2011.

Attacker Kensuke Nagai found the winner for the home side in the 73rd minute.

Earlier, Gamba Osaka – fourth on goal difference to Nagoya – had held third place momentarily after their 2-0 win over Avispa Fukuoka at Expo ’70 Commemorative Stadium.

Vegalta Sendai came from two down away at Omiya Ardija to earn a 2-2 stalemate at NACK5 Stadium.

Rafael and Rodrigo Pimpao had the home side ahead 2-0 after 40 minutes, but second-half goals to Shingo Akamine and Noaki Sugai moved Vegalta up the table one point into seventh place.

Omiya Ardija remain in 15th spot, just above the relegation zone on 23 points.