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| Kashima go top in J-League |
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| Kashima have gone top of the J-League. |
TOKYO: Brazilian forward Marquinhos struck twice to lead defending champions Kashima Antlers back to the top of the J-League table with a 2-0 win over Omiya Ardija at home on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old also widened his J-League scoring lead to 20 goals against 12 for Consadore Sapporo's Brazilian striker Davi.
Gamba Osaka defeated Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 while Urawa Red Diamonds were held to a 2-2 draw by Kyoto Sanga, both in home matches.
Gamba and Urawa are bound to clash in the AFC Champions League semi-finals on October 8 and 22 while Kashima Antlers lost out to Adelaide United in the last-eight round on September 24.
Only three matches were played to make up for the absence of Kashima, Urawa and Osaka in the J-League 26th round for their participation in the AFC quarter-finals.
Marquinhos scored in the 21st and 37th minutes as Kashima led the table with 49 points, level with Nagoya Grampus whose goal difference was lower.
Oita Trinita trail at 48 points and Urawa stood fourth another point back.
Osaka and Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo made good a penalty in the 38th minute to keep the 2005 league champions in title contention on 43 points.
Urawa came from behind to level the score at 1-1 through Brazilian striker Edmilson. Former Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara added another goal two minutes later but Atsushi Yanagisawa pulled one back for Kyoto four minutes after the break.
STANDINGS (After 27 rounds): 1. Kashima Antlers 49, 2. Nagoya Grampus 49, 3. Oita Trinita 48, 4. Urawa Red Diamonds 47, 5. Kawasaki Frontale 45
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