J-League second-division outfit Ventforet Kofu took a big step toward the Asian Champions League knockout stage Wednesday with a 4-1 victory over China's Zhejiang FC at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Peter Utaka, Getulio, Masahiro Sekiguchi and Yoshiki Torikai found the net for Kofu, who avenged a 2-0 loss away to Zhejiang, currently third in Chinese top flight, in their Group H match on Oct. 25.
The J2 side moved to the top of the group on seven points from two wins, a draw and a loss, with goal difference separating them from second-place Melbourne City, who lost 1-0 to Thailand's Buriram United.
Kofu took the lead in the 17th minute after the 39-year-old Utaka's assured finish from Ryotaro Nakamura's through ball withstood a review for offside by the video assistant referee.
"I tried to take advantage behind the defense," said former Nigeria international Utaka. "With my speed, I knew I could be very dangerous against this team."
Getulio volleyed in the second from a Jumma Miyazaki cross in the first-half stoppage time to send the home side into the break leading 2-0.
Zhejiang's Brazilian forward Leonardo pulled one back from the spot after Ventforet keeper Michael Woud conceded a penalty early in the second half.
Sekiguchi made it 3-1 with his blast from the right of the box in the 58th minute, and Torikai completed the rout on a breakaway with a minute left in regulation.
Kofu, who reached the ACL by winning the Emperor's Cup, are currently sixth in the J2 and will aim to secure a place in the promotion playoffs by winning their final match of the domestic season on Sunday.
In Group J, reigning ACL holders Urawa Reds suffered a setback in their title defense with a late 2-1 loss away to former champions Pohang Steelers of South Korea.
Maciej Skorza's side scored first through Jose Kante in the 36th minute but conceded a penalty equalizer to Zeca before going down to 10 men with Takahiro Akimoto's 72nd-minute red card.
Kim In Sung struck the winner in the 94th minute for Pohang, who stayed on top of the group with their fourth straight victory and second in a row against Urawa, who sit third on four points from one win, one draw and two losses.
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