League-position context
Sanfrecce Hiroshima rank2nd
Kashima rank3rd
Sanfrecce Hiroshima points57
Kashima points56
Sanfrecce Hiroshima: #2 ยท 57 pts ยท GD +12
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 9 pts above the play-off edge. 16 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Kashima: #3 ยท 56 pts ยท GD +11
1 pts off the top 2. 8 pts above the play-off edge. 15 pts clear of the relegation zone.
1-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.