Holders Gamba Osaka take on Kashima Antlers in the Nabisco Cup final on Saturday, looking to clear the first hurdle en route to a second consecutive domestic treble, but manager Kenta Hasegawa has brushed aside suggestions that his team holds a psychological edge ahead of the clash of J. League titans in Saitama.
Gamba, who came from 2-0 down to beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2 in last year's final, have won their last four meetings against Kashima in the league and Nabisco Cup, including a home-and-away double in the league this season.
A penalty from former Japan midfielder and Gamba captain Yasuhito Endo sealed a 2-0 win at Expo Stadium in the first stage in June, while a double from star striker Takashi Usami earned a 2-1 win in Ibaraki Prefecture last month.