Kashima Antlers beat Avispa Fukuoka 3-2 in the J.League after a pair of quick second-half goals gave them a lead they never lost. Fukuoka pushed late, but Kashima held on to take the points.
Tatsuki Nara put Kashima ahead in the 31st minute, only for Shu Morooka to level before the break. Léo Ceará restored the lead in the 60th minute with help from Yuta Matsumura, and Aleksandar Čavrić made it 3-1 four minutes later. Léo Ceará pulled one back for Avispa in the 76th, but Kashima saw the game out.
The numbers show Fukuoka had more attempts, 20 shots to Kashima's 11, with seven on target to four. Kashima controlled 56% possession, created three big chances and scored two of them, while their goalkeeper made five saves to keep Fukuoka at bay.
