Kashima Antlers opened their lead at the top of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League table to seven points with a 1-0 win over Urawa Reds.
Go Oiwa’s men endured a scare last month when they succumbed at Yokohama F. Marinos, prompting the coach to urge his man to wrap up their title charge quickly.
The Japanese champions took a step closer to defending their title as they dominated the Reds, and eventually found the breakthrough through Leandro’s 80th-minute winner.
It moves Antlers seven points clear of second-placed Kawasaki Frontale in the table, with the latter having a game in hand.
