Gamba Osaka kept leaders Urawa Reds in their sights with a gritty 2-1 win away to Kashiwa Reysol in the J. League on Saturday.
Substitute Ryuji Bando canceled out a superb strike from Brazilian forward Franca and Yasuhito Endo coolly slotted home from the penalty spot moments later to keep the pressure on reigning champions Urawa.
With six games of the season remaining, Urawa, who host Oita Trinita on Sunday, lead the standings with 61 points, with Gamba three points back.
Third-placed Kashima Antlers (54) kept their slim outside chances of winning the title alive as Shinzo Koroki grabbed a first-half brace in a 3-2 win at home to Vissel Kobe.