MATCHES

Match schedule/result

HOME

MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE 24th Sec.
2024.7.20(Sat) 19:00 KICK OFF

vs.Shonan Bellmare

Panasonic Stadium Suita

DAZN to watch the match

MATCH INFORMATION TOP

2024.7.19［TEAM］

[Preview] Attacking Shonan's aggressive three-back defense. Concluding the final match before the break with three consecutive wins

Despite a busy schedule with the EMPEROR'S CUP's Cup, Gamba won the away game against Tosu with a clean sheet. Continuing their defensive stability, which tied for the fewest goals conceded in the league, Sakamoto took the lead with his fourth goal of the season, and substitute JEBALI scored his second consecutive league goal. Nakatani said, "It's important for a team to be strong if players come on as substitutes to score," and it was a victory won by the team working together as one.

Head Coach Poyatos said he wanted to keep going until the break, but the gap in points between Gamba, who have risen to second place, and Machida, who are in first place, is only five. The last match before the break due to the Paris Olympics, against Shonan, is a match where Gamba will be aiming for three consecutive wins, but Head Coach Poyatos said, "I told my players that I want to work towards their dreams and long-cherished wishes," expressing his thoughts on where Gamba should aim.
With the overwhelming support of their home fans, Gamba is regaining its strength, and it is only natural that they will be aiming for just three points in the match against Shonan.

Shonan used to play fast, vertical football based on intensity around the ball, but their current style is to keep possession of the ball. Gamba will try to crack open Shonan's goal with cleverness and aggression, while still maintaining a solid defense.

Although Gamba won the away game 2-1, they had trouble with Shonan's ball possession, but their mission this week is to learn from that experience. Gamba has often struggled against opponents using a three-back formation this season, but "rather than trying to steal the ball individually, it's more difficult for opponents to move the ball if you restrict their direction from the front and trap them. I want to do a good job with that," said Suzuki, who works hard on both offense and defense in the midfield, and he wants to control the game by moving those around him appropriately.
"We've been getting better at attacking pockets on the sides," said Suzuki. In the match against Tosu, they pushed forward and completely broke down the right side, but when Gamba has the ball, "the talent of Takashi (Usami), WELTON, DAWHAN and others will naturally prove it," said Head Coach, expressing his confidence in the quality of his forward line.

Meanwhile, Shonan, although in 18th place and within the relegation zone, will be heading to Panasonic Stadium Suita aiming for their first three consecutive wins of the season.
One of the reasons for the recovery of Shonan, led by Head Coach Yamaguchi, a legend of Gamba, is that they have adopted an attacking three-back style and are beginning to adopt a style of possession that focuses on the ball. Shonan has former Gamba players such as Abe, Okuno, and Onose, but the player who needs to be particularly careful is Takahashi, who grew up in GAMBA OSAKA youth team and also played for GAMBA OSAKA U-23.
Shonan has won two straight games since Takahashi, who is known for his offensive moves on the right side, was named as one of the three backs. Also, on the same side as Takahashi, Yuto SUZUKI, who used to play for Gamba, is making his presence felt, but it will be essential to limit the crosses and passes to Lukian, who scored a hat trick in the previous match.

There is no change to the team's determination to win every game, but "we want to keep the dream alive with every game every weekend as we strive to win the championship," said Head Coach Poyatos.
Together with the supporters who believe in Gamba winning three games in a row, we hope to end the break with a win.

Buy tickets

MATCH INFORMATION TOP