Nagoya Grampus stayed in the hunt for its first J. League title after a 3-1 win over already relegated Consadole Sapporo on Sunday kept the pressure on Kashima Antlers heading into next weekend's final round of matches.
Yoshizumi Ogawa set Grampus on its way with his 11th goal of the season and further strikes from Keita Sugimoto and Atsushi Yoneyama kept Grampus within two points of Kashima to set up an intriguing climax to the season.
Kashima, 1-0 winners over Jubilo Iwata on Saturday, is favorite to retain its title and can clinch its sixth championship crown at Sapporo next Saturday. Kashima's vastly superior goal difference over Nagoya means it would almost certainly claim the title even with a point at Sapporo Dome and a Grampus win.