Kuala Lumpur: Urawa Red Diamonds and Vegalta Sendai will be aiming for more than just the title in Sunday's Japan Emperor's Cup final as the winners will also seal a group spot in the 2019 AFC Champions League.
Both teams finished out of the 2019 AFC Champions League positions in the recently concluded J.League season, with Urawa settling for fifth place and Vegalta in 11th.
Both teams will be eager to claim the 2019 AFC Champions League slot as for Urawa, it would mean a return to the Continent's premier Club tournament while it would be a comeback after six years for Vegalta.
Urawa, the 2017 AFC Champions League winners, could not defend their title this year after failing to qualify.
Fellow J.League side Kashima Antlers took the 2018 AFC Champions League title and are through to the playoff stage of next season's competition.
Kashima, who finished third in the 2018 J.League, could have had a chance of a group stage berth but were defeated 1-0 by Urawa in the Emperor's Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Standing in their way of a seventh Emperor's Cup title will be Vegalta, who defeated second-division side Montedio Yamagata 3-2 in the other semi-final.
The Emperor's Cup final at Saitama Stadium was originally scheduled for December 24, but was moved up to accommodate Kashima's FIFA Club World Cup opener on December 15 against Mexican first-division side Guadalajara.
Sunday's winners will take their place in Group G of the 2019 AFC Champions League alongside Beijing Guoan, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Buriram FC.
Photos: Japan Football Association
Source: the-afc.com