League-position context
Nagoya Grampus rank3rd
Kashima rank5th
Nagoya Grampus points63
Kashima points59
Nagoya Grampus: #3 ยท 63 pts ยท GD +17
2 pts off the top 2. 16 pts above the play-off edge. 30 pts clear of the relegation zone.
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.
4-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.