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MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE 14th Sec.
2026.5.2(Sat) 15:00 KICK OFF

vs.Vissel Kobe

Panasonic Stadium Suita

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2026.5.1［TEAM］

[Preview] Three points are a must against Kobe. We must learn from our mistakes in the away game and secure the win in 90 minutes.

Gamba suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their away match against Kyoto, despite young goalkeeper Araki making a strong impression in the penalty shootout. However, even with JEBALI and Abe absent due to playing two matches in just three days, the players who took to the pitch showed a strong desire to win, managing to score an equalizer at the last minute.

"Looking at the players, even after playing so many matches this season, they still have the ability to catch up and make comebacks. Their never-give-up attitude is truly wonderful," said Head Coach Vising, who emphasizes fighting spirit, expressing his satisfaction with the players' mentality.

Gamba Osaka has been steadily accumulating points in the Meiji Yasuda J1 J.LEAGUE 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE with the full strength of the team, while also battling a tough schedule that runs concurrently with the ACL2. However, their direct confrontation with league leaders Kobe is a crucial match with value and weight that goes beyond a mere "six-point match."

"We have matches against top teams ahead of us, and if we beat Kobe we still have a chance to win the championship. Tomorrow's match will be really important," said Abe, a key player in both offense and defense, with conviction. The point difference with Kobe, who have played two fewer matches than Gamba, is only 4. If they can get 3 points, they will be in a position to close the gap considerably, but if they end up with 1 point or less, it will be difficult for them to take the top spot in the WEST division.

"I think it will be a tough match for us, but I'm really looking forward to it," said Head Coach Vising, exuding confidence in the style he has built up, but the key points of the match are clear.
"How well can we neutralize the opponent's strengths and prevent them from playing?" says Head Coach Vising. Of course, as a German manager who doesn't like to adapt to the opponent's style, he wants to neutralize Kobe's strengths by fully showcasing Gamba's strengths, but in the away match against Kobe, despite "dominating from the start and delivering one of the best performances of the season" (Head Coach to Vising), they were caught up to at the last minute and won in a penalty shootout.

Unlike back then, with Osako and Muto back in the lineup, Kobe's front line has become more powerful and individualistic, so "they have good players and players with good footwork, so it will be important not to let them get the ball in," says Abe. The current Kobe team doesn't just rely on kicking long balls to the front line; they also move the ball around in ground battles, so Gamba will have to aim for winning the ball back from the front line and using gegenpressing to sharply break down the Kobe goal.

On the other hand, Usami pointed out the team's weaknesses, saying, "We can play really good football when it's our time, but we concede goals when it's not our time, and conversely, we fail to score when it is our time." The key to victory will be to convert our chances against Kobe, who have conceded the fewest goals in the WEST division, and to not give experienced players like Osako and Muto any openings.

In this match, the only one to be held at Panasonic Stadium Suita during Golden Week, Gamba's only goal is to secure three points. Usami emphasized, "We want to fight to win within 90 minutes," and they will try to defeat the league leaders within 90 minutes.

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