Stunning long-range strikes from Fernando and Takuya Nozawa gave Kashima Antlers a 2-1 victory over Shimizu S-Pulse in Tokyo on Saturday.
Hisato Sato (center) of Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Urawa Reds midfielder Alessandro Santos compete for the
ball as Keisuke Tsuboi looks on during Saturday's J. League clash at Saitama Stadium 2002.
KYODO PHOTOThe Antlers threw a wrench into Shimizu's championship challenge by ending its eight-match unbeaten run, but Kashima's own title hopes were put into perspective by league-leading Gamba Osaka's 2-0 win against Oita Trinita.
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