Kashima Antlers keeper Kwoun Sun-tae saved a penalty, allowing the hosts to draw 0-0 at home with J-League first-division leaders Kawasaki Frontale on Sunday.
The draw moved Frontale, the defending champions, a point clear at the top of the table ahead of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Yu Kobayashi, Frontale's top scorer with 14 goals, drew the penalty in front of Antlers' goal in the 36th minute. Getting a pass from Elsinho, Kobayashi rounded defender Jung Seung Hyun. As the two tussled, Jung was charged with wrestling Kobayashi to the ground.