Wednesday saw the last of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals first leg take place with two Japanese sides going head-to-head. Here's a recap of what happened:
KAWASAKI FRONTALE 3-1 URAWA RED DIAMONDS [Kobayashi 32', 85' Elsinho 50' - Muto 76']
Kawasaki Frontale have gained a vital upper hand, going into the second leg against fellow-Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds, after a 3-1 win on Wednesday night, courtesy of a brace by Yu Kobayashi.
Kawasaki were always on the front foot in the initial period and Kobayashi put them ahead in the 32nd minute when he capitalised on Kengo Nakamura's fine work. Five minutes into the second half, Yu Kobayashi was at it again. This time, his fierce drive could only be parried by Urawa goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa and Elsinho was on hand to convert it acrobatically from close range. But Urawa rallied and netted a vital away goal in the 76th minute when Yuki Muto sprang the offside trap and fired home.
However, Kawasaki put some distance between themselves and Urawain the 85th minute when Kobayashi rose the highest to head home Akihiro Ienaga's cross from the left to ensure they went into the second leg with a two-goal cushion.