Albirex Niigata prevented Urawa Reds from making up ground on the J.League's leading pack with a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Reds went into the match at Saitama Stadium fourth in the table despite having taken only four points from their previous four games, and Marcio Richardes gave the home side hope of climbing higher with the opening goal in the 11th minute.
An equalizer from Albirex striker Bruno Lopes put the brakes on Urawa's charge before the first half was out, however, and with none of the top-three teams winning their games on Saturday, Reds were left to rue the missed opportunity.