League-position context
Matsumoto Yamaga rank15th
Kashima rank2nd
Matsumoto Yamaga points13
Kashima points37
Matsumoto Yamaga: #15 ยท 13 pts ยท GD -15
24 pts off the top 2. 14 pts off the play-off line. 4 pts from safety.
Kashima: #2 ยท 37 pts ยท GD +14
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 11 pts above the play-off edge. 24 pts clear of the relegation zone.
24-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.