If Sanfrecce Hiroshima's debut title win last season was greeted with respectful but underwhelming applause, there can be no doubting their credentials now that they have successfully defended their crown.

Sanfrecce beat Kashima Antlers 2-0 on Saturday to become the first team to win back-to-back J. League titles since 2009, profiting from a late meltdown from front-runners Yokohama F. Marinos to overcome a five-point deficit with two games remaining.

Questions must be asked of Yokohama's mentality having thrown away such a commanding position, but Hiroshima can hardly be labeled champions-by-default having challenged for the title for most of the season.