Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo curled in a last-minute free-kick as Gamba Osaka remained on top of the J.League after coming from behind to beat JEF United Chiba 2-1 at Fukuda Denshi Arena.
The win moved the north Osaka club five points clear at the top of the first division standings and ensured that they would remain in first place when the league takes a two-week break for the Kirin Cup after Sunday's games.
The home side enjoyed a bright start and took a lead in the 23rd minute when Japan forward Seiichiro Maki chested down a Naotake Hanyu cross at the far post, and Tatsunori Arai gathered in the ball with his right foot before blasting home from close range.
Buoyed by their opener, Chiba controlled the game in the first half, but Gamba manager Akira Nishino made a key move at half-time, bringing on Japan Under-22 midfielder Akihiro Ienaga and helping his team to gain the initiative after the break.
The visitors' pressure paid off in the 68th minute when Tomokazu Myojin reacted quickly to a Hanyu back-pass, dashing into the Chiba box to fire home the equaliser from 10 yards out.
The 2005 J.League champions intensified their attacks and earned a free-kick just outside the box in the final minute after midfielder Takahiro Futagawa was brought down by Chiba defensive midfielder Tomi Shimomura.
Endo made no mistake from the dead ball situation as his free kick sailed over the Chiba defensive wall into find the right corner of the net.
In Yokohama, former Japan striker Kazu Miura scored as Yokohama FC moved off the foot of the table by edging visiting Oita Trinita 2-1 for their third win of the season.
Vissel Kobe forward Yoshito Okubo scored twice to help the home side move up one place to eighth after a 2-1 win over fourth-place Kashiwa Reysol.
Elsewhere, Norway international Frode Johnsen netted the game's only goal to lead Nagoya Grampus Eight to a 1-0 win at FC Tokyo, Sanfrecce Hiroshima rallied past visiting Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1 with second-half goals by Kazuyuki Toda and Yosuke Kashiwagi, and Kashima Antlers downed 10-man Ventforet Kofu 2-0.
Second-placed Urawa Reds, who secured their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday, could close the gap on Gamba to two points with victory in their home-match against Yokohama F Marinos on Sunday.
Kawasaki Frontale, who are third in the table, albeit seven points adrift of Gamba, are also in action on Sunday against Omiya Ardija.
The home side enjoyed a bright start and took a lead in the 23rd minute when Japan forward Seiichiro Maki chested down a Naotake Hanyu cross at the far post, and Tatsunori Arai gathered in the ball with his right foot before blasting home from close range.
Buoyed by their opener, Chiba controlled the game in the first half, but Gamba manager Akira Nishino made a key move at half-time, bringing on Japan Under-22 midfielder Akihiro Ienaga and helping his team to gain the initiative after the break.
The visitors' pressure paid off in the 68th minute when Tomokazu Myojin reacted quickly to a Hanyu back-pass, dashing into the Chiba box to fire home the equaliser from 10 yards out.
The 2005 J.League champions intensified their attacks and earned a free-kick just outside the box in the final minute after midfielder Takahiro Futagawa was brought down by Chiba defensive midfielder Tomi Shimomura.
Endo made no mistake from the dead ball situation as his free kick sailed over the Chiba defensive wall into find the right corner of the net.
In Yokohama, former Japan striker Kazu Miura scored as Yokohama FC moved off the foot of the table by edging visiting Oita Trinita 2-1 for their third win of the season.
Vissel Kobe forward Yoshito Okubo scored twice to help the home side move up one place to eighth after a 2-1 win over fourth-place Kashiwa Reysol.
Elsewhere, Norway international Frode Johnsen netted the game's only goal to lead Nagoya Grampus Eight to a 1-0 win at FC Tokyo, Sanfrecce Hiroshima rallied past visiting Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1 with second-half goals by Kazuyuki Toda and Yosuke Kashiwagi, and Kashima Antlers downed 10-man Ventforet Kofu 2-0.
Second-placed Urawa Reds, who secured their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday, could close the gap on Gamba to two points with victory in their home-match against Yokohama F Marinos on Sunday.
Kawasaki Frontale, who are third in the table, albeit seven points adrift of Gamba, are also in action on Sunday against Omiya Ardija.
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
'I'm putting my family first...' - Keeper Langerak calls time on Socceroos
Ange: I want to win everything I'm in
