Kashima Antlers' title celebrations were put on hold on Sunday as the J. League leaders were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Kashiwa Reysol.
A win for Antlers would have secured a record-extending ninth J. League championship with one game remaining. But despite creating a raft of chances, they were unable to find a way past Reysol goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura, who produced a string of fine saves to earn the visitors a point.
Kashima is five points clear of second-placed Kawasaki Frontale, who must now beat newly crowned Asian club champions Urawa Reds away on Wednesday to keep their own title hopes alive.