Japan: Kashima edge Group A thriller; Kyoto lead Group B
In Group A, defending champions Kashima Antlers secured a dramatic 3–2 away win over Urawa Reds.

Leonardo de Sousa Pereira converted a penalty just before the break with Yuma Suzuki (55th) and Aleksandar Čavrić (90th) completing the comeback victory.

Hidano Renji (14th) and Ryoma Watanabe (19th) had given Urawa the advantage. Kashima are on 10 points, while Urawa Reds sit fifth with seven.

FC Machida Zelvia defeated JEF United 2–1 through goals from Yuki Soma (5th) and Erik (59th). Daichi Ishikawa replied in the 64th minute. Machida are second with nine points, while JEF are 10th with two.

In other matches, Yokohama F Marinos edged previous leaders Tokyo Verdy 3–2, Kashiwa Reysol defeated FC Tokyo 2–0 and Kawasaki Frontale overcame Mito HollyHock on penalties after a 2–2 draw.

In Group B, Kyoto Sanga sit top of the table after a 2–1 away victory against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Rafael Elias struck in the 81st minute before Henrique Trevisan sealed the win in stoppage time (90+3), cancelling out Hayato Araki’s opener (39th). Kyoto lead with nine points, while Sanfrecce are second with eight.

Vissel Kobe edged Avispa Fukuoka 2–1. Yoshinori Muto (53rd) and Ren Komatsu (60th) scored after Avispa’s Tomoya Miki had been sent off in the 34th minute. Yu Hashimoto pulled one back in the 90th. Vissel are third with eight points; Avispa 10th with two.

Elsewhere, Gamba Osaka and Okayama both won on penalties, while V-Varen Nagasaki defeated Cerezo Osaka 1–0.

Korea Republic: Season opens with shock defeat for champions
The new K League 1 season began with stunning drama.

Ulsan HD opened with a 3–1 win over Gangwon FC, courtesy of a Yago Cariello brace (19th, 45+3) and Lee Heui-kyun (86th). Abdallah Heihei scored late for Gangwon (90+4).

Defending champions Jeonbuk were beaten 3–2 by Bucheon 1995 despite goals from Lee Dong-jun (13th, 54th). Jefferson (26th, 90+7 penalty) and John Franky Montano Sinisterra (83rd) turned the match around.

Elsewhere, FC Seoul defeated Incheon 2–1, Gimcheon Sangmu drew 1–1 with Pohang Steelers and Jeju and Gwangju played out a goalless draw. Daejeon Hana face FC Anyang on Monday.

Hong Kong: Kitchee extend advantage
Kitchee SC strengthened their hold on first place with a 5–2 win over Hong Kong FC.

Anson Wong (12th), Leandro Martinez Ortiz (35th, 45+1), an own goal from Jim Ho Chun (50th) and Adrián Revilla (62nd) secured the win. Kitchee moved to 41 points, while Hong Kong FC are 10th with four.

Lee Man were held 1–1 by Eastern. Manuel Bleda opened the scoring in the fifth minute with Merab Gigauri equalising in the 49th. Lee Man sit second with 27 points; Eastern are sixth with 18.

In other matches, North District drew 2–2 with Eastern District, Southern District RSA defeated Tai Po 2–1 and Kowloon City thrashed HK Rangers 5–1.

Chinese Taipei: Leaders edged, race tightens
Tainan City FC defeated Fu Jen University 2–1 to close the gap at the top. Fu Jen remain first with 25 points, while Tainan are second with 22.

AC Taipei claimed a 3–1 away win over Taichung Rock to move to 22 points in third. Taichung Rock sit fifth with 16. Taichung Futuro defeated Leopard Cat 2–1 and Taipower beat Ming Chuan 3–1.