Japan: Kashima Antlers beat leaders Nagoya Grampus

(GSM) – Kashima Antlers kept championship hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over J-League leaders Nagoya Grampus on Sunday.

Nagoya traveled with the knowledge that a win at Kashima would leave the Japanese championship all but decided.

But only one goal was scored at Kashima Soccer Stadium, as Brazilian Marquinhos beat opposing goalkeeper Narazaki in the 57th minute. The goal was enough for the hosts to secure three very valuable points.

Nagoya do keep a comfortable lead over Kashima as the latter still have an eight-point gap to overcome with five games to go.