Japan: Kashima Go Top And Pile Pressure On Kawasaki

The champions are in a familiar position...

Nov 22, 2009 12:17:08 AM

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ACL: Kashima Antlers - Shanghai Shenhua

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Kashima Antlers have put the pressure back on Kawasaki Frontale in the Japanese title race.

The defending champions won 1-0 at Kyoto Sanga on Saturday to move back into first place two points above their rivals.

Kawasaki have a game in hand and will move back above Kashima if they win at Oita Trinita on Sunday.

Kashima took the three points courtesy of a first half goal from Takuya Nozawa.

“This was an important game without question, but we went out and did what we had to do," Kashima boss Oswaldo Oliveira said according to the Daily Yomuiri.

"They have some quality individuals in attack and they were playing at home, so it was crucial for us to defend well.

"I thought we were going to have our chance to win this game at some point and it turned out that way. We created our share of opportunities during the match, but I don't recall them ever putting us in any grave danger."

Gamba Osaka won 2-0 at Shimizu S-Pulse to stay third and are now just a point behind Kawasaki.

Urawa Reds are fourth after an Edmilson hat-trick gave them a 3-2 win at home to Jubilo Iwata. Sanfrecce Hiroshima are in fifth following a goalless draw with Nagoya Grampus.

At the bottom, Kashiwa Reysol did their chances of survival no harm with a 1-0 win at Albirex Niigata.

1: Kashima 60 2: Kawasaki 58 3: Gamba 57

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