Gamba Osaka has the upper hand in the Asian Champions League after defeating Adelaide United 3-0 overnight. An Angelo Costanzo own-goal unlocked the nil-all deadlock in the 38th minute in the first leg of the final played at Osaka's Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium.
Midfielder Yasuhito Endo put the Japanese further in front when he netted just minutes prior to half-time before Michihiro Yasuda volleyed in the 68th minute to wrap up the victory.
Gamba coach Akira Nishino was extremely pleased with the result.
"They weren't as strong defensively as we thought they would be," Nishino said.
"This is a good result for us and we will try to capitalize on it in the next game."