Intro:

Kashima Antlers nearly cause an upset in their 1-1 draw at J-League leaders Urawa Reds on Sunday.

Script:

Urawa Reds' eight-match winning run came to an end against Kashima Antlers on Sunday.

The J-League leaders were almost behind when Gaku Shinbasaki's swerving effort was well saved by Shusaku Nishikawa.

Urawa's Yōsuke Kashiwagi's corner sparked a goalmouth scramble and Shinzo Koroki somehow managed to turn the ball in. The Japan striker has now scored two goals in as many games.

Despite the hosts dominating possession, Kashima posed a potent threat on the counter-attack. Central-midfielder Shinbasaki put the finishing touches to an incisive breakaway. 1-1.

With little over five minutes left on the clock, Kashima substitute Masashi Motoyama almost snatched victory, only for Nishikawa to come to the rescue again.

Two points dropped maybe but Urawa will just be relieved not to have lost.