Besart Berisha also found the net, as his deflected shot trickled past the home side’s goalkeeper. 

Victory now have five days to travel home and prepare for another game against the Japanese champions, who themselves must prepare for a J-League game this weekend.

All eyes now turn to AAMI Park on Tuesday night, where a Victory win would keep their Champions League dreams very much alive.

Melbourne Victory Player Ratings

Lawrence Thomas – 6.5

Not a lot the Victory keeper could do about the two goals. Thomas pulled off a strong parry early on to deny a thumping volley. After that, it was mostly routine stuff for the shot-stopper, who will be hoping for a clean sheet in the following game.

Thomas Deng – 6

At times, Deng gave the Kawasaki left-sided players too much space, which they exploited; particularly in the first half. As the game went on, Deng looked more comfortable in his role but could have done more to follow his man, who scored Kawasaki’s second.

Rhys Williams – 5.5

The only Victory player whose performance deteriorated as the game went on. Williams started the game solidly and full of confidence – clearing balls with his head and winning last-ditch tackles. However, a lapse in concentration cost the visitors a second goal when Williams played a Kawasaki attacker onside.

James Donachie – 6.5

A very busy shift for the 24-year-old who had to stay focused on a cold night in Japan. Alongside Williams, the pair made a couple of mistakes but Donachie was the more reliable of the two.

Leigh Broxham – 6.5

Pressed high on the left flank – forcing the opponent into making a handful of errors. Broxham held his position well against a side who looked to play free-flowing attacking football.