Nothing less than victory would have done for Gamba and they made the perfect start as Sota Nakazawa headed home his third goal of the season in the 12th minute.

The hosts levelled nine minutes later when Masaru Kurostu controlled a long ball from Yusuke Tasaka before firing home.

It looked like Gamba's hopes of victory - and with it their J.League title ambitions - were slipping away but Lucas pounced on a loose ball in the 86th minute before driving a long-range effort into the back of the net.

The win means Gamba are third but trail leaders Nagoya Grampus by eight points after 24 games.

Nagoya will take some stopping however as they strengthened their title hopes with a dominant 5-1 win at 10-man Shimizu S-Pulse.

Keiji Tamada bagged a hat-trick while Australia international Josh Kennedy helped himself to a brace as Nagoya stretched their advantage over second-placed Kashima Antlers to seven points.

Kashima needed a 90th-minute goal from Yuya Osaka to rescue a point as they drew 1-1 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Cerezo Osaka's title hopes faded as they were held to a goalless draw by Vissel Kobe while seventh-placed Yokohama F Marinos lost 1-0 at home to Vegalta Sendai.

Finally, Urawa Reds defeated Albirex Niigata 2-0, Jubilo Iwata edged Kyoto Sanga 1-0, Montedio Yamagata drew 1-1 at home to Shonan Bellmare while Omiya Ardija won 1-0 at FC Toyko.