Keito Nakamura converted a cross from fellow Japanese winger Junya Ito during Reims' 3-1 loss to Strasbourg in French Ligue 1 on Saturday.
In the 8th minute against Stade de la Mainau, Ito sped up from the right side and floated the ball to his compatriot's header, allowing Nakamura to take the lead with his third goal of the season.
However, Strasbourg tied the score before the break and added two goals in the second half, handing Reims their first loss in five games.
In the Dutch Eredivisie, Japan's right-back Yukinari Sugawara scored his fourth goal of the season as AZ Alkmaar came from behind to beat RKC Waalwijk 3-2 at home.
Keito Nakamura of Reims celebrates with Junya Ito (front) after scoring a goal against Strasbourg during the first half of the French Ligue 1 match held at the Stade de la Mayno in Strasbourg on April 13, 2024. (Up). (Kyodo News)
In the 42nd minute, RKC's David Ming allowed a second goal from inside the center circle due to a pass error by Sugawara, but after recovering in the 66th minute by hitting the net from an angle, the home team scored two more points. He won the victory.
Celtic's Japanese players Reo Hatate and Torugo Furuhashi scored in a comfortable 3-0 home win over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
The versatile Hatate scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute, using the outside of his right spike to score the top corner, his third goal of the season. Meanwhile, forward Furuhashi scored his 11th goal of the season, cutting the lead to two points at the one-hour mark with a powerful header. He missed Alistair Johnston's cross.
In the English Premier League, Daiki Hashioka was substituted for three games as Luton lost 5-1 to Manchester City after Erling Haaland's wayward volley hit a defender in the face and found the back of the net in the second minute. He scored his second own goal.
Related coverage:
Soccer: Akira Itakura scores third goal of the season as Gladbach defeats Wolfsburg
Soccer: Japan loses to USA 2-1 in SheBelieves Cup
Soccer: Hashioka's own goal causes Luton's defeat
