Kashima Antlers lost further ground in the race for the J. League first-stage title after a 0-0 draw with Omiya Ardija on Saturday.
Antlers went into the game at Nack 5 Stadium in third place in the table, trailing leaders Urawa Reds by six points after suffering their second defeat of the season at home to Kashiwa Reysol the previous weekend.
But the seven-time champions were unable to bounce back with a victory as a well-drilled Omiya claimed a share of the spoils, leaving Kashima five points off the pace with eight games of the first stage remaining.