J-League club Kashima Antlers have finished on top of the Group G table in the Asian Champions League after drawing 1-1 with Shanghai Shenhua.

Australian midfielder Mark Milligan opened up the account for Shanghai who needed a win and were hoping Singapore Armed Forces could defeat Suwon Bluewings to qualify for the next phase.

The eighth minute volley from Milligan left the crowd in raptures and gave the home side the perfect start.

However, the visitors rallied and began to take control of the contest and were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark through Brazilian striker Marquinhos who headed home after a Uchida cross.

The point enabled the Antlers to maintain their position on top of their group and book a place in the next round along with Chinese Super League club Suwon Bluewings who defeated Singapore Armed Forces 3-1.

Shanghai's point for the draw left them in third position with eight points from their six matches.