Kashiwa Reysol became the first team to win the J-League title in their first year after promotion from the second division when they defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 on Saturday. Kashiwa finished with 23 wins, three draws and eight defeats for 72 points, only one point ahead of defending champions Nagoya Grampus and two points ahead of Gamba Osaka.
Nagoya defeated Albirex Niigata 1-0, while Gamba Osaka outclassed Shimizu S-Pulse 3-1, but their efforts ended vain. "We have prepared to get here since the beginning of the season," said Brazilian coach Nelsinho.