KAWASAKI — Kashima Antlers manager Oswaldo Oliveira has warned Nagoya Grampus not to start celebrating their first-ever J. League title just yet, even as Dragan Stojkovic's side moved to match point in the championship race on Sunday.
Grampus beat Omiya Ardija 2-1 to take an eight-point lead at the top of the table into the final four games of the season, and can clinch the title with a win against relegated Shonan Bellmare on Saturday if nearest challenger Kashima fails to beat Vissel Kobe.
But Oliveira, whose team came from behind to beat Kawasaki Frontale 2-1 on Sunday, knows first hand that nothing is decided until it is mathematically certain. The Brazilian won the first of his three straight titles with Kashima when bottom club Yokohama FC beat leaders Urawa Reds on the final day of the 2007 season, and is hoping Shonan can do the same after losing its top-flight status with a 5-0 defeat to Shimizu S-Pulse on Sunday.