Gamba Osaka opened this game - coach Masanobu Matsunami's first as "kantoku" - with just the one change from outgoing coach Serrao's last game in charge, bringing in Kurata for Paulinho but it was not a good start for the away team as an Alan Mineiro free kick just floated directly into the goal in the opening minutes to give Albirex the lead. After this disastrous start, though, Gamba slowly settled into the game on this wet field and were soon back in it when Fujihara was brought down in the penalty area. Rafinha dispatched the PK with ease and it was game on!

Once the goal went in Gamba looked a different team than the five in a row defeats that they have suffered and started to pile on the pressure, although still looked vulnerable at corners and to the counter-attack. The left wing, in the shape of Fujiharu continued to get worked, and Rafinha was looking more confident than he had in the past weeks. Meanwhile, on the opposing team Shoki Hirai was looking to prove he was worth a return to Gamba in 2012, while the away defence did their best to shackle the bright forward.

Approaching half time Endo sent in a free kick that went over off the bar and Gamba had to settle for going in at the break level at 1-1.

The 2nd period began with Gamba looking like the Gamba we all know, piecing passes together and taking the game to the home team. Lee broke through but saw his shot blocked and Futagawa got in on the action from distance as Gamba started to settle into their old routine.

But, despite improvements to their play and making chances Gamba had to settle for just the point - the first one of the season, though - it will only get better!


Gamba Osaka: Fujiharu, Kaji, Nakazawa, Konno, Fujihara, Endo, Takei, Kurata (Sasaki, 82), Futagawa (Myojin, 72), Rafinha, Lee (Yokotani, 66)
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