Kashima Antlers’ Yuta Matsumura (27) scores during the second half of a J-League first-division match against Cerezo Osaka at Mercari Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture on Sept. 23, 2025. (Kyodo)
KASHIMA, Ibaraki (Kyodo) — Kashima Antlers moved four points clear at the top of the J-League first division on Tuesday, going eight games unbeaten after coming from behind to beat Cerezo Osaka 3-1 at home.
Kashima, on 61 points, now find Vissel Kobe as their closest rivals after the two-time reigning champions strolled to a home 4-0 win over Tokyo Verdy.
Kyoto Sanga settled for a late 1-1 draw with Machida Zelvia as they moved up to 56 points, ahead of Kashiwa Reysol on goal difference after they were held 0-0 by Sanfrecce Hiroshima, with both teams failing to make the most of their home fixtures.
Cerezo began brightly at Mercari Stadium with Shion Homma at the center of the action.
Having previously set up Motohiko Nakajima, whose shot was saved by Tomoki Hayakawa, the winger won a penalty after he was brought down by Kei Chinen as he looked to take a shot inside the box. Vitor Bueno found the right bottom corner from the spot to give the visitors the lead in the 28th minute.
Chinen made quick amends, however, powering home a header off a right-wing cross from Naomichi Ueda three minutes later, before Ueda created his side’s in the 53rd minute.
A well-placed ball from the center-back found its way past Cerezo defender Ryoya Nishio before reaching Leo Ceara, and the Brazilian dribbled into the box and used the outside of his boot to steer the ball home for his 16th goal of the year, putting him joint-top in J1.
Kashima manager Toru Oniki made a double change in the 67th minute and it paid off just a minute later as Chinen stole the ball in the opposition half and found Aleksandar Cavric, whose cross from the left found fellow substitute Yuta Matsumura, who steered the ball home.
“I practice crossing daily and I’m glad it went well,” captain Ueda said of the opener. “Leo wanted the ball in space (for the second). I sent a good pass and he scored to get me an assist so I want to thank him…We’ll win all the remaining games to claim the title.”
Elsewhere, none of the bottom four sides in the relegation fight got a win as Yokohama F Marinos lost 3-1 at Gamba Osaka, Yokohama FC drew 0-0 at Fagiano Okayama, Shonan Bellmare lost 2-1 at home against Kawasaki Frontale and Albirex Niigata drew 0-0 with Nagoya Grampus.
AloJapan.com