Kashima Antlers have won the J-League championship after a narrow 1-0 away victory over Sapporo. That was enough to keep them ahead of strong finishing Kawasaki – they won 2-0 away at Tokyo Verdi. That victory was enough to send them into a creditable second place, leap-frogging Nagoya who finished with a 0-0 draw away at Oita. Compounding a disappointing end to the season, Urawa Reds were absolutely hammered 6-1 at home by Yokohama F. Marinos.
Tokyo Verdi and Sapporo, beaten by the top two, finish in the bottom two and will be relegated. Iwate, once a powerhouse in the J-League, will have to win a play off to stay in the top division.
Well done Kashima on their 6th league championship!
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