League-position context
Kashima rank11th
Vissel Kobe rank2nd
Kashima points20
Vissel Kobe points35
Kashima: #11 ยท 20 pts ยท GD +0
15 pts off the top 2. 9 pts off the play-off line. 7 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Vissel Kobe: #2 ยท 35 pts ยท GD +15
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 6 pts above the play-off edge. 22 pts clear of the relegation zone.
15-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.