Yokohama F. Marinos maintained their challenge for first-stage honors with an emphatic 4-1 win away at Cerezo Osaka in the J. League first division Saturday.
Nine-man Kashima Antlers, however, had their title hopes dented after a 3-3 draw at home to Vissel Kobe while Nagoya Grampus Eight, who had goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki sent off, was held 1-1 at home to Gamba Osaka.
With two matches of the first stage remaining, Yokohama has 26 and trail surprise leaders JEF United Ichihara, which travels to Jubilo Iwata on Sunday, only on goal difference.
Iwata is third on 24 points with Nagoya and Kashima a further point back.