On 6 April 2016 saw the second day of the fourth week in the group stage of the AFC Champions League (ACL). Gamba Osaka lost their home game to Shanghai SIPG (China) 2-0, putting them at the bottom of group G. F.C. Tokyo, on the other hand, won an away game against Jiangsu FC (China) 2-1 and moved into the lead in group E.

Only two top teams in each group will get through to the knockout stage. Although G Osaka, who were sitting in third place in group G, were eager to win to move up a place, the team came under pressure from a determined Shanghai from the outset.

Shanghai stayed at the top of the domestic league, and won their home game against G Osaka 2-1 two weeks ago. They intercepted aggressively, so that the forward Elkeson, who had played for Guangzhou Evergrande, and the Argentine midfielder Dario CONCA could initiate attacks out wide. The four forwards, including LU Wenjun, who replaced the Ghanaian National Team player Asamoah GYAN due to injury, and WU Lei, who had scored two goals in three matches in the ACL, switched their positioning smoothly to get through G Osaka’s defenders.

After the first 20 minutes, G Osaka struggled against consecutive strikes by Lu and Wu.

Although G Osaka succeeded in intercepting, the distance between the players was too far to pass the ball around, which allowed the opponent to steal it in the centre and counter-attack. G Osaka could not get any shots away.

In the 25th minute, however, the forward USAMI Takashi got through on the left side and fired at the goal, only for it to go slightly wide. After 42 minutes, the midfielder KURATA Shu also took a shot from the left side, but the opponent’s goalkeeper defended it.

Shanghai kept taking the initiative in the second half. After 50 minutes, Conca, Elkeson, and Lu went close to the goal, and took shots. Then in the 66th minute, Wu, who attacked from the left side, got through G Osaka’s defenders with a one-two with Lu, and struck the opener with his right foot. Just six minutes later, Lu reacted to a loose ball off Wu’s shot, and scored a goal with his right foot.

The midfielder FUJIMOTO Jungo replaced Kurata in the 66th minute, and the defender NISHINO Takaharu came on for midfielder IDEGUCHI Yosuke in the 72nd minute to move KONNO Yasuyuki from the defensive line to the anchor. After 80 minutes, the forward NAGASAWA Shun came off the bench to replace the forward Patrick. However, none of them had an impact on the game.

During injury time in the second half, the defender KIM Jungya headed the ball from Usami’s free kick, looking for a goal. Just one minute later Usami received Nagasawa’s returning pass to take an overhead kick. Despite their goal-scoring opportunities, the team could not find the back of the net before the final whistle.

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As a result, Shanghai stayed in lead with nine points, while G Osaka ended up at the bottom of group with no wins, two losses, and two draws. Melbourne Victory (Australia), who tied with Suwon Samsung Bluewings FC (Korea) 1-1, are in second place with eight points, and Suwon sit in third place with three points. The chances of G Osaka making it to the knockout stage in the two remaining games are now very slim.

Tokyo win an away game

F.C. Tokyo, who drew the home game with Jiangsu FC 0-0 two weeks ago, played well in the away game against strong attackers, including the forward Alex TEIXEIRA and Joao, who had played for Brazil National Team.

The game came alive in the 30th minute. The defender MORISHIGE Masato reacted to a loose ball from a corner kick, and scored a long-distance goal with his rigth foot.

Just two minutes later, however, the midfielder Ramires earned a penalty kick. Joao converted from the spot, and levelled the game.

The game went into the second half at 1-1. Tokyo, who were eager for goals, made some changes to the team by sending the forward ABE Takuma, the midfielder KAWANO Hiroki, and the forward HIRAYAMA Sota on to the pitch to replace the midfielder HA Daesung, the forward Nathan BURNS, and the forward MAEDA Ryoichi.

In the 83rd minute, Morishige received a pass from the midfielder YONEMOTO Takuji, and once more struck a goal, building a one-goal lead.

Although Jiangsu attacked back, one of the players was sent off in the 87th minute. Tokyo sustained their lead until the final whistle to earn a win.

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As Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea) lost to Becamex Binh Duong (Vietnam) 3-2 on the same day, Tokyo moved into lead in group E with seven points. Jeonbuk Hyundai are sitting in second place with six points, Jiangsu are in third with five points, and Becamex Binh Duong, who won for the first time, are in fourth with four points.

The next match will be held on 19 and 20 April. G Osaka will play a home game against Suwon Samsung on 19 April, and Tokyo will meet Jeonbuk Hyundai at home on 20 April.

Coach and Players' Comments

HASEGAWA Kenta, Coach (Gamba Osaka)
We were defeated completely today. Shanghai played with greater determination near the ball and with loose balls. Although our players gave it their all, we must admit that it was our current standard. We knew how the opponent would play, but we struggled to win loose balls and let the opponent take the initiative. It was really tough for us. We will accept our defeat and learn how to adjust our defence as well as improve our shots by reviewing the match on video. We’ll get ready for the next home match against Suwon.

FW  USAMI Takashi (Gamba Osaka)
We haven’t got those vital details or sharp enough senses to win. I do feel very responsible as I couldn’t score goals through our several opportunities. Whether we can change this situation and play better is an essential point for us.

DF  KIM Jungya (Gamba Osaka)
I’m really frustrated, but I must admit we were beaten completely. If we do not defend as one, we can concede goals so easily. Although the quality of the opponent was really high, the gap was more about playing hard physically and mentally.

Sven Goeran Eriksson, Coach (Shanghai SIPG)
It’s tough to play an away game against one of the strongest teams in Japan. However, we played excellently to earn a 2-0 victory. The players put in the effort just as we wanted them to do. The defence was also good, playing aggressively to creating goal-scoring opportunities. I’m proud of the players.

AFC Champions League 2016

27 January 2016 - 26 November 2016

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