Kashima Antlers moved back into first place in the East table of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE on Sunday, edging their REGIONAL ROUND Match Week 14 fixture against FC Machida Zelvia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Leo Ceara put Kashima in front in the 50th minute at Mercari Stadium, heading in Gaku Shibasaki’s headed assist, but Tete Yengi pulled FC Machida level when he side-footed home just three minutes later, sending the contest to a penalty shoot-out.
Once there, Kashima scored all four of their kicks while Hokuto Shimoda and Hiroyuki Mae both missed for FC Machida, enabling Kashima to move two points clear at the summit.
Tokyo Verdy are now 10 points behind them in fourth, after they won for the fourth game in a row (including shoot-outs) by defeating Kashiwa Reysol 1-0.
The only goal of the game came in the very last minute at Ajinomoto Stadium, as Yuta Arai fired in at the near post after being played into the penalty area by Itsuki Someno.
Meanwhile in the West, Nagoya Grampus climbed back up to second - one point behind leaders Vissel Kobe, having played a game more - after coming from behind to beat V-Varen Nagasaki 2-1.
Thiago Santana opened the scoring for hosts Nagasaki with a confident finish after breaking in behind in the 29th minute at PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank, before Kensuke Nagai struck a brace to make sure of all three points for Nagoya.
Nagai’s first goal came via a bullet of a strike from outside the area 10 minutes before half-time, and he then completed the turnaround with a skilful dink after capitalising upon a defensive error in the 54th minute.
Cerezo Osaka are just four points behind Nagoya in fourth place, after they picked up a 4-3 shootout victory against Avispa Fukuoka following a 1-1 draw.
Shosei Usui lashed in a stunning strike from distance to give Fukuoka the lead in the 11th minute at YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM, but Rikito Inoue headed in an equaliser for C-Osaka in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, ensuring that a decider was needed from 12 yards.
C-Osaka were flawless with their efforts, finding the net with all four, and with both Keiya Shiihashi and Takumi Kamijima unsuccessful for Fukuoka, the home side were able to celebrate another two points.
Kashima Antlers vs FC Machida Zelvia - Game Highlights | MW14
Tokyo Verdy vs Kashiwa Reysol - Game Highlights | MW14
V-Varen Nagasaki vs Nagoya Grampus - Game Highlights | MW14
Cerezo Osaka vs Avispa Fukuoka - Game Highlights | MW14
