In a stunning Emperor's Cup result, J1 League newcomers Machida Zelvia thrashed traditional powerhouse Kashima Antlers 3-0 on August 27, 2025. The match, a quarter-final or later stage fixture, saw Machida produce a dominant performance to advance in Japan's premier cup competition. Zelvia took an early lead and never looked back, adding two more goals in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory over the eight-time J1 champions. The result marks a historic achievement for Machida, signaling their arrival as a force to be reckoned with in Japanese football. For Kashima Antlers, the heavy defeat is a major disappointment and ends their quest for cup silverware this season.