J1 League Showdown: Title-Chasing Antlers Visit S-Pulse Seeking Redemption
Shimizu S-Pulse will host an in-form Kashima Antlers in a crucial J1 League clash. Kashima, currently second in the league, aims to continue their title challenge, while the home side urgently needs a victory to solidify their mid-table standing and break a long winless streak against the Antlers. This match is vital for both teams' 2025 season objectives.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This J1 League Round 28 fixture holds significant importance for both Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers. Promoted side Shimizu S-Pulse currently sits 13th in the league table with a record of 8 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses from 27 matches [29, 46]. They are in urgent need of points to secure their top-flight status for next season and avoid potential relegation. In stark contrast, visitors Kashima Antlers are having an excellent season, occupying second place in the league with 16 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses from 27 games [13, 28], just behind Kyoto Sanga. They are fiercely contending for the league title and a direct spot in the AFC Champions League Elite next season. The top two teams in J1 League secure direct qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the third-placed team earns a spot in the AFC Champions League Two. Conversely, the bottom three teams face relegation to J2 League [14, 15]. Therefore, this match is not just a clash between a traditional powerhouse and a mid-table side, but a pivotal battle for both teams as they strive to achieve their respective season objectives.
Recent Form
Shimizu S-Pulse's recent form in their last five official matches has been underwhelming, with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses [43]. They have failed to secure a victory in their last two league outings [21]. So far this season, Shimizu S-Pulse have scored 30 goals and conceded 35 in 27 league matches, averaging 1.11 goals scored and 1.3 goals conceded per game [2].
Kashima Antlers, on the other hand, are in strong form, having recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five matches [25]. Their most recent league fixture saw them secure a 2-1 away victory against Albirex Niigata [25]. This season, Kashima Antlers have netted 40 goals and conceded 26 in 27 league matches, boasting an impressive average of 1.48 goals scored per game [2].
Key Players & Injury News
Shimizu S-Pulse's attack heavily relies on forward Koya Kitagawa, who is the team's top scorer with 8 goals this season [2, 17]. Midfielder Kai Matsuzaki leads the assist charts with 3 assists [2, 17]. However, the team will be without key defender Yuji Takahashi, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected to return until March 2026 [20, 47].
For Kashima Antlers, star forward Léo Ceará is their leading goal scorer with 14 goals this season [13, 32], strongly supported by Yuma Suzuki who has 8 goals [13, 32]. Defender Koki Anzai is the team's top assist provider with 4 assists [13, 32]. Notably, Kashima Antlers are currently dealing with several absences, including S. Morooka, I. Sekigawa, Y. Shimoda, H. Tokuda, and K. Anzai [20]. Despite these potential setbacks, the team possesses considerable squad depth to manage the situation.