Machida Zelvia retained their two-point cushion at the top of the J-League first division on Wednesday as the top four sides played out 0-0 draws.
J1 debutants Machida persevered away to holders and fourth-placed Vissel Kobe to secure a credible point at Noevir Stadium, where the dominant home team came close through left-back Ryo Hatsuse's low shot from the edge of the box that skimmed the post in first-half stoppage time.
Former Japan forward, and last season's J1 MVP, Yuya Osako came on in the 64th minute and almost won it for Kobe, but his left-footed shot was saved by Machida keeper Kosei Tani five minutes from time.
"It was a tough battle throughout the 90 minutes," Machida manager Go Kuroda said. "Our defenders did a good job. Our attack lost possession many times and the quality wasn't there."
Second-placed Kashima Antlers failed to turn their own dominance at home into a goal against third-placed Gamba Osaka. Goal-scoring right-back Kimito Nono had a huge chance in the 25th minute after Gamba dwelled on the ball in front of their goal, but defender Shinnosuke Nakatani cleared a shot off the line.
Machida are on 40 points, two points above both Kashima and Gamba, the latter sitting third on goal difference. Kobe are four points further adrift.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 1-1 against Albirex Niigata, while FC Tokyo saw off bottom side Consadole Sapporo 1-0. Cerezo Osaka beat Sagan Tosu 1-0, and Avispa Fukuoka held off Yokohama F Marinos 2-1.
Urawa Reds won 1-0 at 10-man Nagoya Grampus, while Jubilo Iwata eased past Tokyo Verdy 3-0. Kashiwa Reysol secured a late 2-2 draw at Kyoto Sanga, and Kawasaki Frontale drew 1-1 against Shonan Bellmare.
