Goals from No Byung-jun and Brazilian forward Denilson gave the former Asian champions all three points, sending the Korean side to the summit of the group for the first time.

Pohang go into the knockout phase - which will take place in June - with an unbeaten record after recording three wins and three draws during the group stage of the competition.

The defeat was Frontale's second in a row after winning their first four group games to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

Kawasaki will now face defending champions and fellow J.League side Gamba Osaka in the next round while Pohang will meet the runners-up from Group F, which will be determined tomorrow evening.

Pohang took the lead after just 11 minutes when forward Stevo Ristic was brought down and, from the resulting free kick, No curled the ball home.

The visitors pushed forward looking for a second with No going close again while at the other end Vitor Junior volleyed wide before Jong Tae-se's effort was denied by Pohang goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong.

However, with 18 minutes to play, the Koreans extended their advantage when Denilson received the ball from No before slotting the ball through the legs of Kawasaki goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.