KASHIMA, Chiba Pref. (Kyodo) Marquinhos scored twice on his return from injury as Kashima Antlers beat South Korea's Suwon Bluewings 3-0 on Tuesday to edge closer to a spot in the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League.
Defender Go Oiwa put Kashima on its way with a 27th-minute header at rain-soaked Kashima Stadium before Marquinhos' brace sent the J. League champions three points clear of Suwon with one game remaining in Group G.
Hammered 4-1 by Suwon in their Group G opener back in March, Kashima enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the opening stages but it was the South Koreans who should have taken the lead on 11 minutes.
A miscued pass from Takuya Nozawa found its way to Bae Ki Jong, who got himself into a great position only to see his shot blocked by Hitoshi Sogahata.
"Qualifying is the main thing and getting the three points today was the chief objective, it wasn't really about beating Suwon (to get revenge)," said Kashima manager Oswaldo Oliveira.