Match Summary
Gamba Osaka defeated Kashima 2:1. The match was played in J1 League 2023. Goals were scored by K. Kurokawa 15′, Dawhan 34′, N. Ueda 88′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Gamba Osaka had 54% possession while Kashima held 46%. Gamba Osaka had 12 shots (4 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Kashima. Gamba Osaka made 4 substitutions, Kashima made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Gamba Osaka and Kashima — 3 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: H. Ishige
assist: K. Kurokawa
assist: Y. Higuchi
Match Statistics
Gamba Osaka had 54% possession against Kashima's 46%. Gamba Osaka registered 12 shots (4 on target) while Kashima managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 12–10.
Lineups
Gamba Osaka lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Daniel Algaba, while Kashima deployed a 4-4-2 under D. Iwamasa.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Gamba Osaka is 6.88, compared to 6.99 for Kashima. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Gamba Osaka's highest-rated starter is R. Handa (7.19), while Kashima's best-rated player is Y. Suzuki (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Gamba Osaka have contributed 7 goals and 6 assists this season, led by S. Kurata (4G). Kashima's starters account for 10 goals and 11 assists, spearheaded by Y. Suzuki (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Gamba Osaka deploy 4 defenders rated 6.89 on average, against Kashima's 4-man backline averaging 6.96. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Gamba Osaka field 3 midfielders averaging 6.82, versus Kashima's 4 rated 6.79. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Gamba Osaka start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Kashima averaging 7.24. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Gamba Osaka's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Kashima. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Gamba Osaka's starting XI is 29.5 (youngest: R. Handa (23), oldest: S. Kurata (37)), while Kashima average 28.3 (youngest: I. Sekigawa (25), oldest: K. Anzai (30)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Gamba Osaka's starters average 27 league appearances each, versus 24 for Kashima. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Gamba Osaka have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Kashima show 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Gamba Osaka
Kashima
Head to Head
Gamba Osaka and Kashima have met 2 times — Gamba Osaka won 0, Kashima won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Kashima leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 1 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 0.50 per match (0 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–1 in 2025.
0
Gamba Osaka
1
Drawn
1
Kashima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026