SAITAMA, Japan (Interstat) — Urawa Reds opened their J1 League season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday at Saitama Stadium 2002.

The home side delivered a powerful second-half performance, scoring all four goals in a 33-minute span. Midfielder Samuel Gustafson opened the scoring in the 44th minute. Thiago Santana, Kenta Nemoto and Isaac Kiese Thelin added goals in the 54th, 58th and 77th minutes, respectively. Kiese Thelin also recorded an assist.

The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat that forecast a 1-1 draw. Urawa Reds began their campaign with a win, while Kawasaki Frontale started with a loss. Three players received yellow cards in the match.