Defending J. League champions Kashima Antlers returned to the scene of last season's title triumph to haunt Urawa Reds with a 1-0 win on Thursday.
Mu Kanazaki scored in the 24th minute at Saitama Stadium to maintain Antlers' stranglehold over Urawa, having recovered from a two-goal deficit to win last season's championship final on away goals against the same opposition.
"We've been talking about this win being so big it's like it's worth six points," said Kashima defender Gen Shoji. "Urawa are always involved in the title race and if you don't beat the other teams at the top, there's no way you will win the title."