Brazilian striker Alex Mineiro inspired Kashima Antlers to a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse with a goal in each half as the four-time champions restored their commanding lead at the top of the J. League first division on Sunday.
Mineiro took his tally for the season to six with a clinical finish after two minutes and a close-range effort early in the second half to give Kashima a 10-point lead over nearest rival Gamba Osaka after 13 games played while Urawa Reds moved fourth after a 2-1 win over Albirex Niigata in the day's other game.
Kashima improved to 32 points with Gamba on 22 and Sanfrecce Hiroshima another point off the pace.
"These two goals were important for the team to get back on track after the break," Mineiro said, referring to the seven-week break in league action for Japan national team fixtures.