GAMBA OSAKA , who have been fighting fiercely to reach the top of ACL2, will take on their strongest rival in a crucial match. The players have been running alongside Head Coach Vissing, carrying the baton inherited from former Head Coach Poyatos. Ryoya YAMASHITA has made a significant impact in his first Asian competition, demonstrating his presence as an "ACL2" man. He is ready to use his impressive speed to threaten Al Nassr.

This ACL II is my first international tournament as a professional, and even before the tournament started last year, I was only thinking about winning the title. What I've realized from actually playing in ACL II is how difficult it is to win, and even more so, to secure a win. Especially in away matches, the environment is completely different from the J.League matches we play every day. While the difficulty of securing a win and the pressure on the field are immense, I've truly come to realize that mental strength is the most important factor in ACL II.

After scoring a goal in the Round of 16 home match against Pohang, I said, "Speed ​​is something opponents can't easily counter," and I'm confident in my play in Asian competitions as well. The opponents in ACL II are different from J.League opponents; they seem more confident in one-on-one situations, and their marking style is a little different. In that sense, I'm able to find their weaknesses and play well. Because it's different from the organized defense of the J.League, I have the mindset of using my speed to break through their defenses.

"I went into the match against Bangkok United with the feeling that 'I'm the only one who can do it.'"

However, personally, I'm still not entirely satisfied with how we've progressed in ACL2 so far. The team had a tough time in the quarter-final against Ratchaburi FC, so in that sense, I feel dissatisfied with my own performance. On the other hand, I felt a sense of accomplishment in the second leg of the semi-final against Bangkok United. Since we lost the first leg at home, I felt a different kind of mental pressure the day before the match, and I was carrying a lot of weight on my shoulders. Even so, the match against Bangkok United was one where I went into it with the feeling that "I have to do it." I was able to score an early goal, which reassured the team. While that kind of play is part of my job, I was happiest that I was able to do what I needed to do under that pressure.

I've scored five goals so far in this tournament, and I feel that my shooting accuracy has improved, but most of all, I feel a great deal of growth in my own mentality. When I go into a match, I feel like I have to do it myself, but at the same time, I play with the feeling that "if I miss, so be it," and "it's because it's me that I can get a shot off in this situation."
Gamba's strength, which has allowed us to advance to the final, is our strength when we're under pressure. Looking back, we've managed to secure points even in difficult situations. In that sense, we've fought our way through hardships, and that's why I personally think we have the best chance of winning the championship.

Because it's the final match, I want to play in a way that changes the opponent's mood.

I was hoping Al Nassr would advance to the final. As a player, I can only say that I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to play against a team like them in this ideal situation, especially in the final under such immense pressure. I've watched all of Al Nassr's matches, and I can imagine how the game will unfold. I have a good idea of ​​what we should target to create opportunities and what kind of plays will increase our chances of winning.
In the final, my role will be to make sound judgments about when and how to use my physical strength. It will be hot since we are playing against Saudi Arabia, but I intend to make a difference individually by making decisions about when to attack and when not to, and when to return to my position defensively. I want to use my speed to be the starting point of attacks and make a difference. It will be an away game for us, but I think the atmosphere can change in an instant with just one play. I think it will be a game where we feel the atmosphere of being completely away from home, but I believe we can cool down the opponent's morale with one play. Precisely because it is the final, I want to make a play that changes the opponent's mood, and I believe I am the one who can deliver that decisive blow. I will just bring out my strengths on both offense and defense.
I've played alongside Riku (Handa) on the right wing for a long time, and it's not just me, but other players too who feel the same way about him. The fact that we're able to participate in ACL II like this is thanks to the results of the season two years ago, and I intend to make history here, not just for Riku but for many other players as well. I believe that the frustration of not being able to win the EMPEROR'S CUP will carry us into this final, so we'll just go all out against Al Nassr. I understand the feelings of the supporters and how important this title is to Gamba as a club. In the final, I want to play with the pressure of winning the title on my shoulders, and since this is a title that the supporters have been waiting for for many years, I think the supporters have been supporting us with their lives on the line, so I want to do everything I can to deliver a victory for them. I intend to stand on the pitch in the final with my life on the line, and the reason I came to Gamba was to win a title. I try to play with the same feelings in every match, but this final is even more intense, and I'm fired up because of who the opponent is. I want to give it my all, even if it means sacrificing myself, and contribute to Gamba.