The hosts almost stunned Shanghai in the second minute as Yasushi Endo’s cross from the left crashed off the post. Oscar came close for the visitors in the ninth minute but Kwoun Sun-tae pulled off an excellent save from his close-range shot. Ryota Nagaki’s 25-yard strike was tipped over by Yan Junling as Kashima hit back in an action-packed opening. Kashima snatched the lead in the 43rd minute when Nagaki’s corner was glanced into the corner by Gen Shoji’s header. Yan Junling clawed the ball out but it may have already crossed the line before Yuma Suzuki smashed home the rebound.
