League-position context
Kashima rank5th
Cerezo Osaka rank4th
Kashima points59
Cerezo Osaka points60
Kashima: #5 ยท 59 pts ยท GD +11
6 pts off the top 2. 12 pts above the play-off edge. 26 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Cerezo Osaka: #4 ยท 60 pts ยท GD +9
5 pts off the top 2. 13 pts above the play-off edge. 27 pts clear of the relegation zone.
1-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.