On the final day of the 2017 J.League season, Shimizu sat two points above Oliver Bozanic's Ventforet Kofu in the drop zone in 16th, meaning a win would ensure their survival.

Duke played the first half for S-Pulse as his side scored two goals after Kazuma Watanabe's 13th minute opener for Vissel Kobe.

Koya Kitagawa levelled before Chikashi Masuda put the visitors ahead, with Jong Tae-Se's 57th minute goal sealing their status.

Bozanic, who will reportedly be released by his J.League club, was absent as Ventforet Kofu triumphed 1-0 over Vegalta Sendai, but S-Pulse's result meant it wasn't enough to survive.

Nathan Burns was also absent as Sanfrecce Hiroshima lost 1-0 to Kashiwa Reysol seeing them drop to 15th but their survival had been assured.

Milos Degenek wasn't in the Yokohama F. Marinos matchday squad as they finished their campaign in fifth with a 1-0 win away to Urawa Reds.