Former J. League champions Gamba Osaka remained deep in relegation trouble despite salvaging a late 2-2 draw with Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima edged closer to their first-ever title after opening up a two-point gap at the top of the table with three games left to play.

Gamba went into their match at Hitachi Stadium third from bottom and three points adrift of safety, and Reysol's Masato Kudo deepened the 2005 champions' plight with the opening goal in the 12th minute.

Leandro pulled one back for Gamba, only for Kudo to strike again moments before halftime, but although Leandro rescued a point for the visitors with an equalizer in the 90th minute, results elsewhere clouded the relegation picture.