Brazilian striker Marquinhos grabbed a hat trick as Kashima Antlers signaled their continental ambitions with an emphatic 9-1 win away over Krung Thai Bank in their Asian Champions League opener on Wednesday.
Takuya Nozawa and Yuzo Tashiro both helped themselves to doubles on Chula Stadium's artificial pitch while Daiki Iwamasa and Ryuta Sasaki were also on target for the J. League champions in the Group F meeting in steamy Bangkok.
It proved to be a night of mixed fortunes for Japanese clubs in Asia's premier club competition as Gamba Osaka was held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Thai champion Chonburi FC in Group G.