Kawasaki Frontale became the first Japanese club ever to advance to the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League after crushing Indonesia's Arema Malang 3-0 on Wednesday.

News photoKawasaki Midfielder Kengo Nakamura, No. 14, reacts as his teammates celebrate his goal against Indonesia's Arema Malang in the Asian Champions League at Todoroki Stadium on Wednesday. Frontale won 3-0. KYODO PHOTO

Two well taken strikes from Kengo Nakamura and a late goal from Taku Harada got the job done for Kawasaki and ensured the 2006 J. League runners-up won Group F and reached the quarterfinals with a game to spare.

Urawa Reds stayed on course to join Frontale in the last eight despite being held to a 3-3 draw away to Persik Kediri of Indonesia.