SUITA, Osaka Pref. — Gamba Osaka took a giant step toward being crowned kings of Asia for the first time with a 3-0 win over Australia's Adelaide United in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final on Wednesday.

First-half goals from Brazilian striker Lucas and Japan international Yasuhito Endo put Gamba in control before a thundering strike from Michihiro Yasuda further bolstered Gamba's bid to keep the tournament silverware in Japan.

"We have gained the upper hand and now we have to make sure we capitalize on it," said Gamba manager Akira Nishino. "We want to become champions playing Gamba's brand of attacking soccer.