Japan midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara struck a last-minute winner to keep Kashima Antlers in contention for the second-stage title after a 2-1 victory over 10-man Kashiwa Reysol in the J. League on Sunday.
The win lifted Kashima, chasing its first title since 2001, into second place in the table, two points behind archrival Jubilo Iwata with one match of the season remaining.
Jubilo, which beat Gamba Osaka 2-1 on Saturday, has 26 points with Kashima on 24, followed by Yokohama F. Marinos and JEF United Ichihara on 23.
Ichihara needed a 64th minute equalizer from South Korean striker Choi Yong Soo to hold struggling Oita Trinita 1-1 in Sunday's other match.