The Kashima Antlers continued their march toward an unprecedented domestic treble on Sunday, defeating Verdy Kawasaki 2-0 in Tosu to reach the last eight of the Emperor's Cup.
Kashima, already crowned J. League and Nabisco Cup champions this season, overpowered Verdy as Mitsuo Ogasawara crashed in a superb opener in the 50th minute and Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa added a second in the 68th.
J1 first-stage winners the Yokohama F. Marinos edged J2 champion Consadole Sapporo 2-1 in Matsuyama thanks to a 96th-minute winner from midfielder Ryosuke Kijima, who latched onto a Shunsuke Nakamura pass.