Champion Kashima Antlers stopped the rot with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Jubilo Iwata in the J. League on Saturday.
Iwata had the better of the chances at Yamaha Stadium but Kashima stood firm to pick up its first point following a dismal run of five consecutive defeats.
With five games left, Kashima sits one point behind Kawasaki Frontale (52), who temporarily went top of the table after a 3-2 win at Omiya Ardija. Shimizu S-Pulse (50) can reclaim pole position with victory at rock-bottom Oita Trinita on Sunday.
Jubilo looked the livelier going forward in the first period, with South Korean striker Lee Keun Ho testing Hitoshi Sogahata with a low drive on the half hour mark.