The Kashima Antlers went through to the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League but not without a fight in a 3-2 second-leg, round-of-16 loss to J. League rivals Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Tuesday.
Kashima, the 2018 champion, entered the second leg with a 1-0 lead on Brazilian striker Serginho's goal in last week's first leg. That proved to be the difference as the Antlers went through on away goals.
Shoma Doi scored both Antlers goals in a game that started at a measured pace but finished in a fury. The halftime introduction of Sanfrecce's Brazilian striker Patric energized the hosts' attack and nearly bought Hiroshima its first spot in the ACL's final eight.