Urawa Reds moved a step closer to winning their first J. League title in a decade after beating Kashima Antlers 1-0 in the first leg of the championship final on Tuesday.
Yuki Abe scored a 57th-minute penalty at Kashima Stadium after Daigo Nishi had fouled Shinzo Koroki in the box to give Urawa, which finished top of the overall league table a full 15 points ahead of third-place Kashima, a precious lead going into Saturday's second leg.
Reds' superior ranking means they can win their second league title even with a 1-0 defeat at Saitama Stadium, and pick up their second trophy of the season after capturing the League Cup last month.