Match Report
Shimizu S-Pulse, 1st with 82 points, sat 29 points above Renofa Yamaguchi (11th, 53). Scoring rates set the scale: Shimizu S-Pulse 1.79 scored and 1 conceded per game, Renofa Yamaguchi 1.13 and 1.16, with the league averaging 1.24.
Defeat had followed defeat for Renofa Yamaguchi — three in succession.
Iwagin Stadium in Morioka staged the fixture, a ground that holds 4,946. T. Yoshida officiated: 60 games logged, averaging 0.9 yellow cards each. On the scoreboard, Shimizu S-Pulse led 1-0 at the break; 4 second-half goals set the final 4-1.