Japan: Kashima close on Nagoya, Gamba win Osaka derby

(GSM) – Kashima Antlers closed on Japanese J-League leaders Nagoya Grampus while Gamba Osaka beat city rivals Cerezo in the battle for third place.

After three consecutive wins, leaders Nagoya Grampus failed to add a fourth in a home match with Yokohama F. Marinos. The visiting side even took the lead through Takashi Amano in the 23rd minute but Mu Kanasaki limited the damage shortly after the break, 1-1.

Kashima Antlers reduced the gap with the top from seven to five points, beating Omiya Ardija 3-0. Brazilian Marquinhos was responsible for all the goals, scoring in the 12th, 27th and 58th minutes.

Gamba Osaka hosted their local rivals Cerezo Ozaka at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Stadium, and needed a win to join their opponents in third place.

Gamba started well with Takushi Usami scoring the opener after less than two minutes, and Sota Nakazawa doubled the advantage ten minutes later.

Cerezo fought back in the first ten minutes of the second half with goals from Takashi Inui and Brazilian Amaral, but Michihiro Yasuda netted a 68th-minute winner for the home team.

The two now share third place at eight points from Nagoya Grampus, but Cerezo do still have the better goal difference.