Kashima Antlers maintained their one-point lead with two games left in the J. League's second stage after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Saturday.
At the bottom of the standings, Kawasaki Frontale fell 1-0 away to Kashiwa Reysol on a headed goal by South Korean striker Hwang Sun Hong. The result means Kawasaki will be relegated to the second division next year.
Substitute Masashi Motoyama struck a "golden goal" 27 minutes into extra time at Tottori Bird Stadium as Kashima added two points to move to 29 from 13 games ahead of Thursday's top-of-the-table clash at Gamba Osaka.