Kashiwa Reysol kept their unbeaten record in tact, but the Emperor's Cup holders face a tough trip to Saudi Arabia next month after being held 1-1 by Al Shabab in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Masato Kudo fired Reysol in front midway through the first half in sweltering heat at Hitachi Stadium, but Kashiwa manager Nelsinho's men had to make do with a share of the spoils as the Saudis leveled on the stroke of halftime through Fernando Menegazzo.
The second leg will take place in Riyadh on Sept. 18.