2004.12.11
Yokohama F-Marinos won 2004 Championship

Yokohama F-Marinos won the 2004 J.League Championship on penalties on Saturday 11th December in Saitama Stadium 2002. Urawa won back by 1-0 from Alex's free kick and finished at 1-1 on aggregate over two matches. Yokohama was reduced after midfielder Nakanishi sent off in the 77th minute and gave Urawa a goal, but kept their concentration thorough out the rest of the match and the extra time.

Both game, about 60,000 fans came to the stadium. The stadium's atmosphere was the best of soccer matches in Japan. Because both team did their best performance, it was very aggressive based on their solid defense systems. Although both scored only single goals for two matches, the match was exciting. There was anther quality for this championship. Supporters' especially those of Urawa Reds supporters' passions and preparations for the match changed its value higher. J.League will give up their two-stage format in favor of normal single-stage home-and-away system from 2005 season. The final championship will be remembered as supporters' stage.

Yokohama F-Marinos won their 3rd championship by their tough and educated soccer. Urawa could not reach the top, but their offensive policy enjoyed J.League so much.