In their first ACL2 appearance, they won four straight matches from the start of the season. In the away game against Nam Dinh, they were forced to endure a tough battle as they were pushed deep into their own half, but not only did they show their strength in the backline, but the team also came together to win the close match 1-0.
With three points, Gamba advanced through the group stage, and the team is steadily growing into a tougher team on the Asian stage. "I can see the team's mental growth, and victory is healing for the team. Overcoming difficulties and winning makes the team stronger," said Head Coach Poyatos, praising the players' growth.

The schedule for the final stages of the season was already known from the moment it was decided that the team would participate in ACL2. That's why, in the matches against Kashima and Nagoya, even in the consecutive matches immediately following ACL2, the players were able to focus on one goal and play well.
Gamba is currently in ninth place in the league, but in front of their passionate home fans, victory is the only thing they are looking for. Handa said, "Our current goal is to finish as high as we can, and our next match against Kobe will be crucial in achieving that."

The match against Kobe, which will be played three days later, will not only serve as a way to avenge the away loss, but will also be a great opportunity to showcase Gamba's strength as they reach their peak towards the end of the season.
While Gamba uses a variety of styles depending on the opponent, Kobe will stick to their own style of play. "Rather than a playing style, each individual player will make an impact," said Head Coach Poyatos.
Even in consecutive games, Coach Head Coach has been scouting the opponents accordingly and implementing the style of football he aims for, but the match against Kobe is now a battle that goes beyond tactics.

"The opposing team is a high-pressure team that engages in and seeks out one-on-one duels. Duels are the key," says JEBALI, who is showing results that go beyond the numbers as a starting point on the front line.
Moving the ball around would be ideal, but turning the opponent inside out with long balls would also be effective in circumventing Kobe's quick press.

Kobe, who are enjoying their first win in five official matches in the ACLE, will also be heading to Panasonic Stadium Suita with just three days of rest, just like Gamba. Currently in fourth place, Kobe will need to win this match, but they have a number of attackers up front to watch out for, including Miyashiro, the team's top scorer with 11 goals, and Sasaki, with eight assists. Of course, the one they need to shut down the most is their ace, Osako, who has been improving his form. Fukuoka is also full of energy, saying, "I don't want to allow a season double, and I also need to get results against Osako, so I want to do my best."

Even if Osako is shut down, former Gamba players such as Ideguchi and Ide, who will come out from the second row, are not to be underestimated, so this will be a battle that will require duels at every stage.
It would be ideal if they could move the ball like Gamba, but all they need is to secure the three points. "Our players have proven that if they play with determination and personality, they can win against any opponent and in any game," said Head Coach Poyatos.
Gamba now has the mental strength to win tough matches, and the match against Kobe will be proof of that.