URAWA -- The Urawa Reds fought back after having a man sent off to beat Sagan Tosu 2-1 in extra time Sunday thanks to a cracking 25-meter volley from substitute Masaki Tsuchihashi that earned the Urawa team a return to the J. League's first division.
Urawa's promotion rival Oita Trinita beat Omiya Ardija 1-0 with a goal from Kensuke Kagami at home, but missed out on promotion on the last day of the season for the second year running. Oita finished third once again, behind the Reds and champion Consadole Sapporo.
"We are Reds! We are Reds!" the 20,207 fans chanted at Urawa's Komaba Stadium after the tense 95-minute battle.