Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kashiwa: AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Kashiwa Reysol picked up their first J.League win in eight matches after beating Gamba Osaka 1-0 at Kashiwa Stadium.
The win was a welcomed one for Kashiwa who are currently languishing near the bottom of the J.League first division, while Gamba, who are also quarter-finalists in the AFC Champions League, are fourth in the standings.
The lone goal came off a free-kick in the 12th minute courtesy of a header by Brazilian defender Eduardo.
“Up to now, there were many matches in which we couldn’t hold on for the win, so I’m happy we could win today,” Eduardo said.
Both teams played the match as a makeup of one they had missed earlier in the season because of AFC Champions League commitments.
“It was the kind of match where we didn’t allow the opponent to have many chances, and it was just a matter of whether we could score when we had the opportunity,” Gamba coach Kenta Hasegawa said.
“I think the only way we can make a run of it from now is to become better at finishing.”
Kashiwa will host Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-finals on August 25 while Gamba play Korean outfit Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors away a day later.