In a thrilling encounter at the Denka Big Swan Stadium, Albirex Niigata and Gamba Osaka battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw on March 29, 2025, in the seventh round of the J1 League. This match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of both teams, but ultimately left Niigata still searching for their first victory of the season.
Gamba Osaka kicked off the match with immediate intensity, taking their first shot just 30 seconds in. The momentum seemed to favor the away team early on, but it was the home side that struck first. In the 18th minute, Yuji Ono, making his season debut, delivered a precise cross from the right side, allowing Motoki Hasegawa to head the ball into the right corner of the net, putting Niigata ahead 1-0.
Gamba Osaka responded with determination, and in the 43rd minute, they leveled the score. Issam Jebali reacted quickly to a loose ball in the box, firing a left-footed shot past Niigata's goalkeeper, Kenta Fujita, to make it 1-1 just before halftime.
After the break, Gamba Osaka seemed to gain control, and in the 67th minute, Jebali struck again, this time benefiting from a well-placed cross from Fan Alano. Jebali was on hand to score with a right-footed shot, giving Gamba a 2-1 lead and putting pressure on Niigata.
However, Niigata was not ready to concede defeat. They equalized in the 74th minute when Jin Okumura scored after a clever setup from Kento Hashimoto, who provided a low cross that Okumura expertly converted with an outside-of-the-foot shot into the left corner of the net.
The excitement continued to build as Niigata took the lead again in the 82nd minute. Kento Hashimoto, who had already made his mark with an assist, found the net himself, scoring after a swift counterattack that caught Gamba's defense off guard. The home crowd erupted as Niigata surged ahead 3-2.
Just when it seemed like Niigata might secure their first win of the season, disaster struck in stoppage time. In the 90+5 minute, Niigata's Eiji Miyamoto was penalized for a handball in the box, leading to a penalty kick for Gamba Osaka. Takashi Usami, who had come on as a substitute, calmly converted the penalty in the 90+7 minute, sealing the 3-3 draw.
This result leaves Albirex Niigata without a win in their first seven league matches, a troubling statistic for a team that finished mid-table last season. Coach Daisuke Takimoto expressed frustration but also pride in his team's performance, highlighting their ability to fight back after going behind.
“We showed great character to come back twice in the match, but we need to learn how to close out games,” Takimoto said post-match. “We’re still searching for that first victory, and it’s crucial that we find it soon to build our confidence.”
On the other hand, Gamba Osaka's head coach, Miguel Ángel Poyatos, praised his team's resilience, noting that they managed to earn a point despite the challenging circumstances. “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and not leave it to the last minute. But I’m proud of how we fought back to equalize,” Poyatos stated.
With this draw, Gamba Osaka remains in the hunt for the top spots in the league, currently sitting just four points behind leaders Kashima Antlers. The match showcased the high stakes of the J1 League, where every point counts in the pursuit of glory.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their defensive frailties. Niigata's inability to hold onto a lead has been a recurring theme this season, while Gamba will look to tighten their backline to avoid conceding late goals.
Looking ahead, Albirex Niigata will aim to finally secure their first win when they face another challenging opponent in their next fixture. Meanwhile, Gamba Osaka will continue to build on their momentum as they strive for a strong finish in the league.
This match not only highlights the competitive nature of the J1 League but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, where every match could be pivotal in the race for the championship.
