Urawa Reds moved a step closer to winning the J-League first-stage title with a 3-3 draw at Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.

Yuki Muto snatched a late equaliser to preserve Urawa's unbeaten record as Japan's best-supported side improved to 34 points from 14 games -- seven points clear of last year's treble winners Gamba Osaka.

Gamba beat Kashima Antlers 2-0 at home and have a game in hand on the Reds, who could seal the first-stage crown this weekend if they win and Gamba lose.

Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic, whose side let the J-League title slip from their grasp last season, praised the tenacity of his players despite a display pock-marked by defensive errors.

"It's a good draw and we can be satisfied," the Serbian told reporters. "The spirit was good. We came up short last year when we should have won the title but we kept battling today and got our rewards."