Extra-time substitute Daisuke Sakata struck a golden goal as nine-man Yokohama F. Marinos clung onto the top spot in the J. League with a 3-2 win over Kashiwa Reysol on Saturday.
There were fireworks on and off the pitch at Tokyo's National Stadium in the ill-tempered five-goal thriller that included three red cards and 11 yellow cards.
Japan defender Naoki Matsuda put Yokohama in front under a backdrop of fireworks illuminating the night sky at nearby Meiji Shrine when he tapped home from close range in the 37th minute.
Kashiwa hit back in the 53rd minute soon after Yokohama defender Naza followed Kashiwa's Harutaka Ono to an early shower as Brazilian Cesar Sampaio rose unmarked at the near post to head home the equalizer.
Steve Perryman's side then looked to be on course for its first win in four matches when Nozomu Kato made it 2-1 with a half-volley in the 74th minute, only for new on-loan signing Tomoyuki Hirase to equalize with his first goal for Yokohama seven minutes from time.
Sakata sealed the golden-goal win and two precious points for Yokohama, who also had Tatsunori Hisanaga red-carded in the 87th minute.
Yokohama has 28 points from 11 first-stage games, two clear of Jubilo Iwata, which was held to a 2-2 draw away to JEF United Ichihara.
Japan striker Naohiro Takahara converted from the penalty spot for his fourth goal in three games to put Iwata ahead after Yuki Abe had canceled out Toshiya Fujita's opener for Iwata.