Both Kashima Antlers and Gamba Osaka posted their first wins in their fourth games of the group stage in the 2015 AFC Champions League on 7 April. The two sides retained their chances for advancing to the round of 16.

Kashima played against Guangzhou Evergrande, who have clinched the Chinese Super League titles in the last four years, at home. Guangzhou Evergrande are currently on top in Group H. Forward Hiroyuki Takasaki scored a game winning shot in the stoppage time of the second half for Kashima.

As the result, Guangzhou Evergrande stayed with nine points in the standings. Meanwhile, Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) and FC Seoul (Korea) Drew 1-1 in the other match. The two clubs are tied with five points and Antlers have three points.

Playing in a weather with winter-like rains, Kashima came on in with a high concentration and aggressive mode from early because they could be eliminated from the tourney unless they'd win it. On 18th minute, midfielder Endo Yasushi's shot was called a hand by an opposing defender to earn a penalty kick. Endo made the kick to give Kashima a 1-0 lead.

Guangzhou Evergrande, who would clinch the knockout stage with the third straight win, rallied around a pair of Brazilian forwards, Ricardo Goulart and Elkeson, and midfielder Huang Bowen and forward Gao Lin. On 36th minute, Elkeson had a free kick but Japan goalkeeper Sogahata Hitoshi saved it.

Leading up 1-0, Kashima had a chance to extend their lead when midfielder Doi Shoma put back a shot of midfielder Umebachi Takahide on 51st. But it was called an offside.

Afterwards, Guangzhou overwhelmed Kashima. On 75th, Gao, who received a pass after a free kick, launched a cross and Elkeson put it in with his right foot to tie the contest.

The desperate Kashima sent Takasaki onto the pitch two minutes later. They also cast midfielders Nakamura Atsutaka and Aoki Takeshi on 82nd. And then on three minutes into the stoppage time, Takasaki headed a Shibasaki free kick into the net. Kashima avoided an elimination.

The details of the game are here

Gamba Osaka cap first win

Meanwhile, Gamba squared off against Thai Premier League champion Buriram United, who are leading in Group F, away. Gamba edged Buriram 2-1 as late substitute Omori Kotaro scored a game-winner on 42nd.

Gamba could have been eliminated with a loss, but with the win, they improved to a 1-1-2 record with four points in the group. They tied with Seongham FC (Korea), who drew with Guangzhou R&F (China) on the same day, in the group stage standings, while they cut the deficit with Buriram, who have seven points.

Playing in a heat of 32 degrees in Thailand, Gamba allowed a lead as Buriram defender Theerathon Bunmathan scored a goal on a free kick on 9th minute. But Gamba managed to equal the game when forward Lins put pass from midfielder Kurata Shu into the net on 41st.

Three minutes later, midfielder Abe Hiroyuki scored another with a cross from the right for Gamba, but it was called an offside.

In the second half, Gamba were overwhelmed by Buriram's attacks, but managed to counterpart with their physical plays. Buriram forwards Macena and Diogo threatened the Gamba goal for a few times, but Gamba goalkeeper Higashiguchi Masaaki made some fine saves to protect his goal.

Gamba head coach Hasegawa Kenta sent forward Akamine Shingo on 61 and Omori on 78th onto the pitch to look for a chance to win. On 87th, defender Yonekura Koki put a cross of forward Usami Takashi back to the centre, and then Omori Omori directly connected it into the Buriram goal with his right foot. Gamba ended up earning significant three points.

The details of the game are here

Each club have two more games left to play in the group stage. Kashima will take on Western Sydney on 21 April, while Gamba will play against Guangzhou R&F on the 22nd. Both Kashima and Gamba will be required to win.

Head Coaches and Players' Comments

Toninho Cerezo, Kashima Antlers head coach
It was like David beat Goliath. No, it was a result that we kept fighting believing in ourselves until the very end, which is our club's tradition. Our effort paid off for the result, but because Guangzhou had high-quality players, we were required extra effort, and both sides showed high level football. We are happy that we scored a goal out of a set-play, too. Including our previously game away, we had allowed goals out of set-plays in the last few games, so we have worked on making adjustments in small things, such as our communication in between and positioning, as well as having high concentration and awareness. Our players are working actively and we are proud that we scored the game winning goal on a set-play. Today's win was big, but we haven't earned anything yet. It's important for us to keep working hard so we can have the outcomes we want. Our players have a strong mind-set that they want to achieve something, and if they are like that they have a better chance to come up with a better outcome, and it's important to keep doing so.

Fabio Cannavaro, Guangzhou Evergrande head coach
It was a tough game for us as we had some injured players. We gave up a lead on a penalty kick in the first half and it gave us tough times. On the second goal we gave up, we lacked concentration. (Including our league matches) we have come with one draw and two losses in the last three games. I don't want to put it on the luck, but sometimes you can make three goals with three shots and make just one goal out of four shots in the game of football. I believe that we can improve our situation if our players don't get rattled and keep making good preparation. We lost today, but I'm still expecting to come up with a good outcome in the end.

AFC Champions League 2015

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