Seven-time champion Kashima Antlers overpowered bottom club Avispa Fukuoka 2-0 to clinch the J. League first-stage title in the final round of matches on Saturday.

Shuto Yamamoto's 27th-minute header got the party started at Kashima Stadium before Shoma Doi scored for the second game in a row to seal victory and ensure Antlers a place in the postseason playoffs.

"We knew we had to win this match with so many fans coming out to see us," said Kashima coach Masatada Ishii, whose stage title win follows the Nabisco Cup he won in November after taking over last year from Toninho Cerezo. "The players battled hard right through the 90 minutes.