Kashima Antlers pulled off a thrilling 3-2 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League comeback victory at Shimizu S-Pulse on Sunday to go third in the table. 

The Japanese champions were made to come back from two goals down, surrendering the opener to Shota Kaneko before the half-time whistle.

Things looked worse when Antlers conceded a second to Ryohei Shirasaki in the 71st minute, but Naomichi Ueda’s strike soon after sparked hopes of a comeback.

And that became a reality when Yuma Suzuki fired home only five minutes after his team-mate, with that man Mu Kanazaki turning in the decisive goal in the 85th minute.

It is a result that keeps Antlers just behind leaders Vissel Kobe following their perfect start to the season, as Nelsinho’s men relied on Kotaro Omori’s winner right at the start of the second half.

FC Tokyo likewise remain three points off the summit after their 3-0 Tamagawa Clasico win over Kawasaki Frontale in the final 15 minutes of their clash, with Yoshito Okubo’s stoppage-time strike rubbing salt into the wound.

Consadole Sapporo heaped misery on Sanfrecce Hiroshima, as an own-goal from Sho Inagaki handed the hosts their first victory this season, and leaves Hajime Moriyasu’s men waiting for theirs.

It is a result that leaves Sanfrecce higher in the table than only Omiya Ardija, who don’t have a single point to their name after losing 1-0 at Ventforet Kofu.

Yokohama F. Marinos were left without a win for a second straight game as Rony pegged them back for Albirex Niigata in their 1-1 draw at Nissan Stadium, while Kazuya Nakamura fired Cerezo Osaka past Sagan Tosu in a 1-0 win.