Kashima Antlers midfielder Gaku Shibasaki hailed his club's winning DNA after capturing a record eighth J. League title against Urawa Reds on Saturday.
Antlers added another chapter to their gilded history after recovering from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the championship final and an early Urawa goal in the second to prevail 2-1 at Saitama Stadium and claim the title on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Antlers qualified for the championship playoffs after finishing third in the overall table — 15 points behind first-place Urawa — but their trophy-hunting instincts kicked in during a 1-0 semifinal victory over Kawasaki Frontale and continued all the way to their first league title since 2009.