Modest Oita Trinita remained firmly in contention for an unlikely league and cup double after sweeping aside 10-man Tokyo Verdy 2-0 away in the J. League on Saturday.
Goals from veteran Brazilian striker Ueslei and Taikai Uemoto did the damage at Ajinomoto Stadium and kept the pressure on Nagoya Grampus, who preserved their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win at home to Albirex Niigata.
Yoshizumi Ogawa and Keita Sugimoto were on target as Grampus improved to 48 points, three clear of Oita and five ahead of third-placed Kashima Antlers, who were held 1-1 away to Kashiwa Reysol.