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Sendai, Japan. Fernandinho scored both goals on Sunday as Vegalta Sendai defeated the Kashima Antlers 2-1 to hand the defending champions their first loss of the J-League season.

Fernandinho gave the host an early lead with a right-footed shot from the top of the area in the opening minute. Kashima had Marquinhos sent off in the 14th minute, and Fernandinho doubled the lead with his second goal in the 61st minute.

Shinzo Kuroki pulled one back for Kashima with just over 10 minutes left, but the three-time defending champion could not find an equalizer.

“We are playing not only in the J-League but also in the Champions League. My players have been tired and they have some ups and downs,” Kashima coach Oswaldo Oliveira.

Kashima remains one point behind Shimizu S-Pulse, which defeated Yokohama Marinos 2-1 on Saturday to improve to 11 points in the J-League standings. Forward Shinji Okazaki scored both goals for Shimizu, which continued its unbeaten start to the season.

It was a costly loss for Yokohama as midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura left midway through the first half after taking a kick to his left ankle. Yokohama officials said Nakamura could miss Japan’s friendly against Serbia on Wednesday.

“I’m just hoping it doesn’t swell up too much,” Nakamura told Sunday’s Sankei Sports newspaper. “It was a scary moment. I will do whatever I can to be involved [against Serbia] as there’s not much time left [before the World Cup].”

MRI scans showed no fracture or ligament damage, but Japan coach Takeshi Okada said: “It’s a worry. We will consult with the team doctor and then make a decision about the Serbia game.”

Elsewhere, Shinji Kagawa scored twice as Cerezo Osaka beat Kyoto Sanga 3-1 to register its first win of the season. Montedio Yamagata also picked up its first victory by edging Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0.

Igor Burzanovic scored twice to give Nagoya Grampus a 2-0 win at home over Vissel Kobe, while Albirex Niigata played out a scoreless draw with Omiya Ardija.

Urawa Reds edged Shonan Bellmare in a 2-1 home win, Jubilo Iwata defeated Gamba Osaka 4-3, and Kawasaki Frontale beat FC Tokyo 2-1.



AP, Reuters