Intro:

Urawa Reds were denied the Japanese J-League title again after 1-1 draw at Sagan Tosu on Saturday (29th November).

Script:

The penultimate week in Japan's J-League and another chance for the Urawa Reds to clinch the title.

Last week they lost to their closest rivals Gamba Osaka, and knew a win here coupled with Osaka dropping points would be enough.

The Reds almost had the perfect start against Tosu. Tomoya Ugajin clattering the crossbar in the fourth minute.

Into the second half and Urawa came again. Tadanari Lee was brought down by Naoya Kikuchi.

Kikuchi, clearly the last man and Tosu were down to ten men for the remaining 25 minutes.

Yuki Abe stepped up and made no mistake to give the Reds what looked a title deciding lead.

Yet with news filtering through that Osaka were leading three nil at home, the Reds knew a win was a must to maintain their two point advantage.

The game looked to be up for Tosu, yet in the final ten seconds of stoppage time, disaster for The Reds.

Substitute Teruaki Kobayashi with the header, and the game finished 1-1.

The draw coupled with Gamba Osaka's 3-1 victory means Urawa drop to second, with both on 62 points.

With Osaka's goal difference seven better than The Reds', any win on the final day should guarantee them the J-League title.