Match Report
The table read 3rd (Kashima Antlers, 12 pts) against 1st (Avispa Fukuoka, 0 pts), 12 points apart.
Momentum sat with Kashima Antlers, winners of their last seven, having scored in 8 consecutive games. Kashima Antlers had banked 15 of the last 15 points on offer; Avispa Fukuoka, 7.
11 meetings are on record — 6 won by Kashima Antlers, 1 by Avispa Fukuoka, 4 drawn, at 2.45 goals per meeting. Hosting has counted for little in this fixture — the home side has won only 27% of those meetings.
The match was played at Kashima Soccer Stadium (capacity 40,728). It was 1-1 at the break, and the second half added 3 goals for the 3-2 full-time score.
Goal scorers
Kashima Antlers: Tatsuki Nara (31' og), Léo Ceará (60'), Aleksandar Cavric (64') · Avispa Fukuoka: Shu Morooka (43'), Léo Ceará (76' og)
Key stats
Possession: Kashima Antlers 56% · Avispa Fukuoka 44% · Total shots: 11-19 · On target: 3-6 · Corners: 2-8