Brazilian striker Marquinhos scored twice for the J. League champions as Kashima moved a step closer to the knockout stages, while Persipura have conceded 18 goals in three defeats in Group F.

With a landslide victory expected after Persipura lost 9-0 to China's Changchun Yatai two weeks ago, Kashima coach Oswaldo Oliveira opted for a three-pronged attack.

But the home side had to wait until six minutes before the half-time to open the scoring as Toru Araiba's cross into the penalty area evaded everyone and found the back of the net.

Marquinhos' turning shot from close range doubled the lead in the last minute of the first half before captain Mitsuo Ogasawara confidently converted from the penalty spot six minutes after the hour mark.

And just two minutes later Yuya Osako slid in at the back post to add the fourth as the home side ran riot before Marquinhos sealed the win with a close range finish with 14 minutes remaining.

With K-League champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors beating Changchun 2-1 in China, Kashima remained three points clear at the top of the group but crucially six points clear of third place with three games remaining.

At Changchun Jingkai Stadium, South Korea striker Lee Dong-gook scored with five minutes remaining as Jeonbuk edged out Changchun to bounce back from their defeat by Kashima.

Substitute Du Zhenyu opened the scoring for the home side five minutes after the hour mark after firing home from the edge of the area.

But just 10 minutes later goalkeeper Mi Tianhe failed to deal with a corner and Choi Tae-uk stabbed home from close range from the ensuing scramble.

And with five minutes remaining Jeonbuk snatched all three points to remain in pole position to secure second place as Choi surged into the area before finding Lee with a smart pass for the former Middlesbrough striker to produce a calm close-range finish.