Urawa Reds took a significant step toward the J. League first stage title after coming from behind to beat Kashima Antlers 2-1 on Saturday.
Reds went into the match at Saitama Stadium with an unbeaten record after 11 games and a four-point cushion at the top of the table, but a 67th-minute own goal by Ryota Moriwaki threatened to weaken their grip on first place.
Yuki Muto equalized moments later before Takahiro Sekine bagged the winner seven minutes from time, however, keeping Urawa four points clear with a game in hand over nearest challenger Sanfrecce Hiroshima and only five matches of the first stage remaining.