Talking points from the week in Asian football:

KASHIMA RETURN TO J-LEAGUE SUMMIT AS KOBE DOWNED BY MACHIDA

Kashima Antlers moved back to the top of the J-League standings on Sunday as Toru Oniki’s side capitalised on Vissel Kobe’s 2-0 loss to Machida Zelvia.

Kyosuke Tagawa scored the only goal as Kashima beat FC Tokyo 1-0 to take the eight-time champions into first place on goal-difference ahead of Kashiwa Reysol, who won 2-0 against Shonan Bellmare.

Kobe had gone into the weekend as leaders but slipped to third following their defeat in Machida, which came as a result of goals from Japan internationals Yuta Nakayama and Yuki Soma.

SHANGHAI PORT WIN DERBY TO CLOSE IN ON CSL LEADERS SHENHUA

Shanghai Shenhua had their lead in the Chinese Super League reduced to a point on Saturday as Leonid Slutsky’s side were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Shanghai Port.

Goals from Gabrielzinho and Leonardo gave Kevin Muscat’s side a two-goal lead by the 46th minute and, while Shinichi Chan pulled one back for the home side, the win moved Shanghai Port to within a point of the top spot.

Chengdu Rongcheng remained in third after a 2-0 victory over Dalian Yingbo on Friday, despite defender Yuan Mincheng being sent off late in the game.

LATE LEE STRIKE MAINTAINS JEONBUK’S 15-POINT K-LEAGUE LEAD

Jeonbuk Motors continued their march towards the K-League title on Friday maintaining their 15-point lead over their nearest rivals with a 2-1 win over Anyang FC.

Lee Seung-woo scored in the 89th minute to earn Gus Poyet’s side their 17th win in 25 games this season after Park Jin-seop saw his 22nd minute effort matched by Anyang’s Thomas Oude Kotte.

Daejeon Citizen were in second after their 3-2 win over Suwon FC while Gimcheon Sangmu were third following a 0-0 draw with Gangwon FC on Saturday.

JAPAN’S ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORER KAMAMOTO DIES AGED 81

Japan’s all-time leading international goal scorer Kunishige Kamamoto died of pneumonia in Osaka on Sunday. He was 81.

The former striker, who led Japan to the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968, played 76 times for his country and scored 75 goals before retiring in 1984.

He played at club level for Yanmar in the Japan Soccer League before coaching J-League side Gamba Osaka and went on to become a vice president of the Japan Football Association. REUTERS