Cerezo Osaka kept alive their hopes of a place in next year's AFC Champions League with a comprehensive 4-0 win at Shonan Bellmare in the J-League today.

The victory means Cerezo are fourth with 58 points, one behind Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers with one game left of the season to secure a top-three finish.

Cerezo attacked from the outset at Hiratsuka Stadium and had numerous chances throughout the first half. However, it took until the 53rd minute for them to open the scoring when Yusuke Maruhashi launched a fine drive from distance into the back of the net.

Brazilian midfielder Amalar made it 2-0 nine minutes later from a free-kick before compatriot Martinez struck from just outside the box in the 65th minute.

Cerezo then added a fourth with two minutes remaining when Akihiro Sakata put the ball in his own net when attempting to clear Takashi Inui's shot.

Cerezo have now won their last three matches while the defeat for relegated Shonan was their seventh in succession.

"I'm so pleased with the win today as it secured our top-four placing, which is the highest in our club history," said Cerezo coach Levir Culpi.

"That has been brought by the hard work from our players and the back-up from our supporters. We'd like to qualify for the ACL, which will be a good Christmas present for them."

Meanwhile, at Kashima Soccer Stadium, goals from Takuya Nozawa and Felipe Gabriel gave the hosts a 2-1 win over Kyoto Sanga, with Takumi Miyayoshi grabbing the consolation for the visitors.