Kashima Antlers edged China's Chanchun Yatai 1-0 away on Wednesday to maintain their flawless record in Group F in the Asian Champions League.
Shinzo Koroki's goal late in the first half was enough to make it five wins out of five for the J. League champions, already through to the knockout phase after a 3-1 win away to Persipura Jayapura of Indonesia two weeks ago.
Kashima temporarily moved six points clear of South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors, who have also qualified for the next round and play Persipura later Wednesday.
Later Kawasaki Frontale beat Group E leaders Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea 3-0.
At Chanchun City Stadium, Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata was given an early test and got down well to beat away Ricardo Steer's low drive, but the visitors took the lead when Koroki peeled away from Samuel Caballero to fire past Mi Tianhe.
With nothing but pride to play for, Chanchun made a fist of it in the second half and Steer flashed a shot just wide before Cao Tianbao also went close in the 54th minute.