Yokohama F. Marinos made history on Saturday as the reigning J. League champions clinched the first-stage title on the final day of action with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Kashima Antlers.
Yokohama F. Marinos players and staff celebrate after clinching the J. League first-stage title with a 1-0 victory over the Kashima Antlers at International Stadium Yokohama.
In-form South Korean striker Ahn Jung Hwan scored the decisive goal with a clinical finish from the edge of the box in the 62nd minute at International Stadium Yokohama, as Takeshi Okada's side became the first team to win three consecutive stage titles.
Yokohama, which claimed a two-stage double on the final day of last season's campaign, after a stoppage-time win over Jubilo Iwata, finished on 36 points from 15 matches, two clear of Iwata in the 16-team standings.