Urawa 3-2 JEF United Chiba — how it happened, and what the numbers showed
Urawa beat JEF United Chiba 3-2 at Saitama Stadium 2002. How the goals came, what the statistics said and whether our pre-match prediction landed.
Urawa beat JEF United Chiba 3-2 at Saitama Stadium 2002 on 21 October 2026, by a single goal. It was a J1 League fixture, matchday 11, played in Saitama. Urawa went into it 9th in the table, JEF United Chiba 19th. Half time had it at 1-1.
How the game was won
It took shape early. Takuro Kaneko put the first goal on the board on 19 minutes. Boniface Nduka levelled for JEF United Chiba on 31 minutes, set up by Takuya Yasui. That left it 1-1 at the interval.
The second half brought the rest. Kenta Nemoto edged Urawa in front on 55 minutes, set up by Matheus Sávio. Shuta Sasa made it three for Urawa on 81 minutes, set up by Tatsuki Seko. Takumi Tsukui gave JEF United Chiba something to hold on to on 90+1 minutes, set up by Erison Danilo de Souza. Urawa saw out 3-2 from there.
The shape of the game
Of the five goals, three came after the break. The final goal did not come until 90+1 minutes, and it settled the result. Both sides found the net, and five different players got on the scoresheet.
Cards and flashpoints
Five yellow cards were shown.
Key match statistics
Urawa had 51% of the ball to JEF United Chiba's 49%. Urawa had 10 attempts to JEF United Chiba's 14, with 4 and 2 respectively on target. Urawa needed very little: 4 on target, three goals. Elsewhere, corners finished 6-3 and the goalkeepers made 0 and 1 saves.
Standout performers
M. Hidaka finished with a match-high four attempts for JEF United Chiba. K. Tanaka finished with three key passes for JEF United Chiba. Urawa set up in a 3-4-2-1, JEF United Chiba in a 4-4-2.
How our prediction fared
Before kick-off our model made JEF United Chiba the pick, splitting the three results 10% Urawa, 45% the draw and 45% JEF United Chiba. It missed — but this was a fixture the model had flagged as close to a coin toss, and it fell the other way. The goals line called over 2.5 goals; the game produced five, so that one was right. Both teams to score was called no; in the event both did score.
Match facts
For the record: played at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama and refereed by Koji Takasaki. Scorers: Urawa — Takuro Kaneko 19; Kenta Nemoto 55; Shuta Sasa 81. JEF United Chiba — Boniface Nduka 31; Takumi Tsukui 90+1. Half time 1-1, full time 3-2. Five cards shown.
What it means
Urawa take the three points, and on this evidence they earned them without ever being able to relax. JEF United Chiba will point to fine margins, and on this occasion they would have a case. Urawa went into the day 9th and did what sides in that position are expected to do against a team 19th.
The full statistics, line-ups and our running prediction record for this fixture sit alongside this report on the match page.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score in Urawa vs JEF United Chiba?
It finished Urawa 3-2 JEF United Chiba, so Urawa took the three points at Saitama Stadium 2002.
Who scored?
Takuro Kaneko on 19 minutes for Urawa, Boniface Nduka on 31 minutes for JEF United Chiba, Kenta Nemoto on 55 minutes for Urawa, Shuta Sasa on 81 minutes for Urawa and Takumi Tsukui on 90+1 minutes for JEF United Chiba.
When and where was Urawa vs JEF United Chiba played?
21 October 2026 at Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama.
Which side controlled the game?
Urawa had 51% possession to JEF United Chiba's 49%.
Did the pre-match prediction get it right?
Our model made JEF United Chiba the pick at 45%, and that was wrong. Every call is recorded in our published accuracy log.