IWATA, Shizuoka Pref. -- Jubilo Iwata went down to 10 men but managed to draw 0-0 with Kashiwa Reysol at home in Group A action of the Nabisco Cup on Friday.
With the results, Jubilo maintained the four-team group lead on five points followed by Reysol on goal difference.
Vegalta Sendai moved into third place on four points after beating Consadole Sapporo 1-0 at home thanks to substitute forward Shinji Fujiyoshi's second-half goal. Consadole remained winless.
Reysol goalkeeper Yuta Minami made a couple of good saves, on a Masashi Nakayama's 19th-minute shot and Hiroshi Nanami's 29th-minute shot, to keep a clean sheet for the visitors.
As the struggle continued, Jubilo forward Gral was sent off in the 83rd minute after collecting his second yellow card.
Reysol manager Steve Perryman said: "Two good football teams were simply unable to play well today. There was a lack of the movement around the pitch, not a lack of effort, because I saw their faces in the dressing room. They must be tired (because of the schedule)."
Teams have to play six games over two weeks in the first round.
But the Englishman also said his side didn't give away any goals to a strong side.
"We conceded no goals against a good football team, Jubilo. In fact, we have only conceded one goal in three games against them."