The week in Asian football
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Talking points from the week in Asian football:
KYOTO MOVE INTO POLE POSITION IN J-LEAGUE WITH TOKYO WIN
Kyoto Sanga handed Tokyo Verdy a 1-0 on Saturday to climb to the top of the J-League standings after Kashima Antlers were held to a 1-1 draw by Avispa Fukuoka and Kashiwa Reysol slipped to a 2-1 loss against Fagiano Okayama.
Rafael Elias hit the only goal of the game in the 66th minute to move Kyoto onto 48 points and ahead of Kashima on goal-difference while Kashiwa sit in third.
Four points separate the top seven teams with Machida Zelvia in fourth, Sanfrecce Hiroshima fifth, defending champions Vissel Kobe slipping to sixth after their 1-0 loss to Yokohama FC and Urawa Red Diamonds in seventh.
SHANGHAI PORT RECLAIM TOP SPOT AS RIVALS SHENHUA HELD
Defending champions Shanghai Port returned to the top of the Chinese Super League standings as Kevin Muscat's side handed Henan FC a 4-1 thrashing on Friday, while Shanghai Shenhua were held to a 0-0 draw by Zhejiang FC on Saturday.
Goals from Wang Shenchao, Mateus Vital, Leonardo and Oscar Melendo gave Port a four-goal lead inside the first 55 minutes at Pudong Football Stadium to secure a 14th win of the season for the title holders.
The win, coupled with Shenhua's result, means Shanghai Port now lead the standings by a point with Beijing Guoan in third following their 3-1 victory over Qingdao West Coast.
COMPAGNO SCORES TWICE TO INCREASE JEONBUK'S K-LEAGUE LEAD
Jeonbuk Motors continued their march to the K-League title on Saturday as a 3-0 win over Daegu FC extended their advantage at the summit to 17 points.
Italian striker Andrea Compagno scored twice before Jeon Jin-woo hit the third with seven minutes remaining to secure the three points for Gus Poyet's team, who increased their lead due to Daejeon Citizen's 2-0 loss to Gwangju FC.
Gimcheon Sangmu moved into second as the army side handed FC Seoul a 6-2 thrashing with second half goals from Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Dong-jun and Kim Chan helping to seal the points.
CHAMPIONS NORTHEAST UNITED REACH LAST FOUR IN DURAND CUP
Defending champions NorthEast United moved into the semi-finals of the Durand Cup on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Bodoland FC while second-tier outfit Diamond Harbour progressed with a surprise 2-0 victory against Jamshedpur FC.
East Bengal also advanced as two goals from Dimitrios Diamantakos set his side up for a 2-1 win over Kolkata derby rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Shillong Lajong FC completed the semi-final line-up with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Indian Navy. REUTERS
