That's the opinion of Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar who said the Reds were beaten by a 'far better team' in both legs.

Adelaide entered the second match full of optimism despite the three-goal deficit but were outplayed again and lost 2-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.

"They're a good side, a classy side and it was a real dagger to the heart after four minutes so it made it absolutely impossible after that," he said.

"Obviously Gamba took the game to a different level, a level that we are not used to over the two legs."

When the disappointment of the loss subsides, Vidmar said the players could use the experience to improve their own game.

"That's something that we can strive for, better technically, better physically all those sorts of things that can take it to the next level," he said.

"There is a mini-gulf, everything technically, physically, tactically."

Captain Travis Dodd agreed the Japanese opponent was far too good for the Reds.

"It seemed like they had 15 players out there," he said. "They found space, their movement off the ball was unbelievable and I think they are easily the best team we've played against in this competition

"Credit to them, they played fantastic over two legs."

He added: "It is a gap but as Viddie said the league is only four years old so there's room for improvement and there's no doubt over the coming years we'll slowly bridge the gap."

The final was all but over when Lucas scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of Wednesday's clash. It gave the visitors an overall lead of 5-0 and with their players' in good touch there was no stopping them.

But Vidmar could still see a positive from the clash despite the scoreline.

"Full credit to our players as well. In that second half, down and out and they still played with a lot of pride and a lot passion and I think that's extremely important," he said.

"A little bit disappointed we couldn't score a goal for the fans, we peppered it quite a bit in that second half with a lot of action in front of the goal but just unfortunately couldn't get that goal."

Vidmar said the other positive was the publicity the ACL had generated for the club and football in Australia.

"We've certainly lifted the profile of the game, not just in Australia but right through Asia, let's hope it doesn't stop there," he said.

"We've got thank the owners for putting their 'howdy doodies' on the line, they really did. They put in a lot of money, a lot of heart, a lot of time to give us this opportunity."

"If we didn't get that feedback and support from our owners and the rest of the club we wouldn't have got here and I'd rather have got here than not at all."