The week in Asian football
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HONG KONG - Talking points from the week in Asian football:
KASHIMA BEAT CHAMPIONS KOBE TO EXTEND J-LEAGUE ADVANTAGE
Kashima Antlers extended their lead in the J-League with a 1-0 win over defending champions Vissel Kobe on Saturday as second-placed Machida Zelvia were held to a 2-2 draw by Avispa Fukuoka.
Leo Ceara scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute for new coach Toru Oniki's side leaving Kashima with 16 points from their first seven games of the season.
Kashiwa Reysol climbed to third following their 0-0 draw with Tokyo Verdy.
AUCKLAND INCREASE A-LEAGUE LEAD WITH WIN OVER BRISBANE ROAR
Auckland FC went seven points clear at the top of the A-League as goals from Nando Pijnaker and Hiroki Sakai earned the New Zealand-based team a 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Steve Corica's side extended their advantage over second-placed Western United, who were not in action over the weekend, as Melbourne City moved into third following their 3-2 win over Sydney FC.
Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, climbed to fourth with a 5-3 win at home over Adelaide United.
DAEJEON MOVE TWO POINTS CLEAR DESPITE DRAW WITH GWANGJU FC
Daejeon Citizen extended their lead at the top of the K-League to two points despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Gwangju FC as defending champions Ulsan HD lost 1-0 to Pohang Steelers.
The defeat for Kim Pan-gon's side, which came as a result of Lee Ho-jae's 80th minute goal, dropped Ulsan to fourth in the standings.
Gimcheon Sangmu moved into second after their 1-0 win over Gangwon FC and FC Seoul are now third following a 3-2 win against Daegu FC.
CHINESE CHAMPIONS SHANGHAI PORT DROP POINTS IN QINGDAO DRAW
Reigning champions Shanghai Port dropped their first points of the season when Kevin Muscat's side were held to a 3-3 draw by Qingdao West Coast on Friday.
Abdulaziz Yakubu scored twice to take Qingdao into halftime with a 3-1 lead but second half goals from Gustavo and Leonardo earned Shanghai Port a point.
Shandong Taishan defeated Meizhou Hakka 4-3, Shanghai Shenhua won 3-1 against Henan FC and Tianjin Tiger beat Qingdao Hainiu 1-0 on Saturday for all three to join Port on seven points from the opening three matches of the season. REUTERS