Kashima Antlers lost significant ground on J. League first-division leaders Urawa Reds after going down 3-2 at home to Gamba Osaka on Sunday.
Kashima started the day in second place, but the seven-time league champions fell seven points back of Reds after Brazilian striker Lins snatched a 93rd-minute winner for the visitors at Kashima Stadium.
Reds rebounded from last weekend's shock defeat to Cerezo Osaka, beating bottom club Tokushima Vortis 2-1 at Saitama Stadium 2002.