Gamba Osaka manager Kenta Hasegawa said he wanted to make the J. League title race interesting in Saturday's game against Urawa Reds, and after watching his team blow the field wide open with a 2-0 win over the league leaders, his wish was certainly granted.
Gamba ensured Urawa would not clinch the championship two games early at a packed Saitama Stadium, with substitutes Akihiro Sato and Shu Kurata pouncing late to give Hasegawa's side a win that puts the destination of this year's silverware up in the air. Reds now lead Gamba by just two points with two games remaining, with Kashima Antlers in contention two points back and Sagan Tosu still mathematically alive one point further behind.
It could all have been so different. Reds looked dangerous as they went in search of the win that would have secured their first championship since 2006, with Gamba unusually subdued and Hasegawa withdrawing star forwards Takashi Usami and Patric in the second half.