TOKYO, June 28 (Reuters) - Urawa Red Diamonds thrashed Albirex Niigata 5-2 to complete a dominate first stage of the J-League championship but the true test of their rehabilitation after last year's title choke is yet to come.
The Reds looked set to win a first league title since 2006 last year before closing out the campaign with only one win in the last seven games to allow Gamba Osaka to steal the crown on the final day.
The Reds have not allowed that disappointment affect them this season, storming through the first 17 games undefeated to take the first stage of the revamped championship, featuring two stages and end of season playoffs, by six points.