Kyoto Sanga FC (J1) played to a 1-1 draw against Roasso Kumamoto in the J1 playoff final at Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA on November 13, retaining their place in the J1. A record 18,207 spectators were at the stadium and supporters celebrated Sanga’s J1 survival.

The two teams engaged in a fierce exchange over possession of the ball. In the 39th minute of the first half, Sanga’s Toyokawa took advantage of Matsuda’s chip pass and skillfully made a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper. With a one-goal lead, Sanga did not slow down their attack in the second half. In the first minute, Kawasaki attempted to score on the right corner of the goal from the penalty area, but was blocked by the opponent’s good defense. In the sixth minute, Fukuoka fired a direct volley off Yamazaki’s cross from the left but the shot was off target. Then in the 23rd minute, a corner kick was headed in to tie the score. In the 25th minute, Utaka, Honda, and Sato were brought in, changing the lineup for an aggressive offense. In injury time, a corner kick led to Kumamoto’s wave of attacks resulting in a shot that was saved when it hit the right post.