League-position context
Jubilo Iwata rank9th
Kashima rank1st
Jubilo Iwata points23
Kashima points39
Jubilo Iwata: #9 ยท 23 pts ยท GD -2
15 pts off the top 2. 0 pts off the play-off line. 6 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Kashima: #1 ยท 39 pts ยท GD +19
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 16 pts above the play-off edge. 22 pts clear of the relegation zone.
16-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.