SAITAMA — Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka canceled each other out in a 0-0 draw on Saturday as Kashima Antlers pulled clear at the top of the J. League table.

Reds had the better chances in an absorbing chess match between the current and previous Asian Champions League winners at Saitama Stadium, but neither side was able to make the breakthrough to keep pace with Antlers, who won 2-1 at Kashiwa Reysol later in the day.

Gamba was not helped by a hamstring injury that forced Brazilian striker Leandro's substitution in the 41st minute, but manager Akira Nishino was pleased with the way his team stood up to the setback.