Kashima Antlers clinched a record-extending ninth J.League title on the final day, holding their nerve to beat Yokohama F-Marinos 2-1. Watched by Brazilian legend Zico, they entered the match at their packed home stadium with a one-point lead over Kashiwa Reysol.
On the final day of the J.League season, Kashima Antlers faced Yokohama F-Marinos at their packed home stadium. Goals in each half from Brazilian striker Leo Ceara put Antlers in control at 2-0, but Yokohama struck back in the first of five minutes of second-half injury time, setting up a nail-biting finish. Meanwhile, Kashiwa Reysol won their match 1-0, but Antlers held on to secure the victory.
This marks Antlers' first J.League title since 2016 and comes in the debut season of coach Toru Oniki. Oniki, who joined after winning four league titles with Kawasaki Frontale, said, "It became a difficult game at the end but the players have grown stronger over the course of the season."
"We wanted to build a big lead early in the season but it came down to fine margins today," he added.
Antlers were already the J.League's most successful team, and this latest title puts them four league championships clear of their nearest rival. They led the league for most of the season but struggled to shake off Reysol, who were seeking their first title since 2011. Reysol ended with six straight wins and hadn't lost a league game since August.
"The players feel more of a responsibility to play for the team and the club now so they were able to play today's game without panicking," Oniki said. "I'm really impressed with how much they've grown mentally."