TOKYO, Nov 30, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Kashima Antlers moved within sight of a record-extending ninth Japanese league title on Sunday but Kashiwa Reysol ensured the championship race would go down to the final day.

Antlers beat Tokyo Verdy 1-0 but Reysol stayed one point behind them in the table after a 3-1 win over the league's bottom side Albirex Niigata.

Antlers can wrap up their first title since 2016 when they host Yokohama F-Marinos next Saturday but any slip-up could hand Reysol their second J. League crown.

"We just have to keep doing the things we've been doing and don't change anything," said Antlers coach Toru Oniki, who joined the club at the start of the year after winning four league titles with Kawasaki Frontale.

"It's because of the hard work that we've done that we're in this position."

Antlers needed a 74th-minute goal from Yuta Matsumura to stay on top of the table, with Reysol cruising against already relegated Niigata.

Japan international Mao Hosoya scored a hat-trick for Reysol, who are looking for their first title since 2011.

They host Machida Zelvia, who won Japan's domestic cup for the first time last weekend, on the final day of the season.

Antlers started their game strongly but soon began to struggle as mid-table Verdy went close with a series of chances.

"It was a game with an unseen pressure which the players felt," said Oniki.

"But they didn't panic, did what they were supposed to do and got the goal in the end."