Kashima Antlers closed in on a record-extending ninth J. League championship title with a 1-0 win at home to Asian Champions League finalist Urawa Reds on Sunday.
Brazilian midfielder Leandro settled the contest late in the second half as the defending champions opened up a seven-point lead over Kawasaki Frontale at the top of the table. Kashima improved to 70 points with two games left and can clinch the title if Kawasaki (63) loses its game in hand against Gamba Osaka on Nov. 18.
Kashima's game against Urawa was moved forward from Nov. 18 to Sunday due to Reds' ACL final first-leg match away to Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal on that date.