Jubilo Iwata moved a step closer toward successfully defending its J. League second-stage title as Masaaki Yanagishita's men came from behind to beat Gamba Osaka 2-1 on Saturday.

News photoJubilo iwata's gral scores on a penalty kick in the 60th min ute during a J. League first-division match against Gamba Osaka on Saturday at Iwata Stadium. Jubilo won 2-1.

Kota Yoshihara sprung the Iwata offside trap to fire Gamba in front after 15 minutes and the home side's comeback hopes were dealt a blow when midfielder Norihiro Nishi was sent off for his second bookable offense four minutes into the second half.

But Brazilian striker Rodrigo Gral sparked a determined fightback by putting Iwata on level terms from the penalty spot on the hour mark and, after Japan midfielder Takashi Fukunishi and Hiroshi Nanami both missed chances to put Iwata in front, substitute Takahiro Kawamura arrived unmarked to head home the winner on 72 minutes.