Match Summary
Gamba Osaka defeated Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3:1. The match was played in J1 League 2024. Goals were scored by I. Sakamoto 13′, S. Nakatani 81′, I. Sakamoto 89′, M. Kato 90′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Gamba Osaka had 47% possession while Sanfrecce Hiroshima held 53%. Gamba Osaka had 12 shots (6 on target) compared to 21 (5 on target) for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Expected goals: Gamba Osaka 2.50 — Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1.35. Gamba Osaka made 5 substitutions, Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Mutsuki Kato 72′).
Match Events
Key match events between Gamba Osaka and Sanfrecce Hiroshima — 4 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Welton Felipe
assist: Y. Kashiwa
Match Statistics
Gamba Osaka had 47% possession against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 53%. Gamba Osaka registered 12 shots (6 on target) while Sanfrecce Hiroshima managed 21 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 3–10. Fouls committed: 12–15.
Lineups
Gamba Osaka lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Daniel Algaba, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima deployed a 3-4-2-1 under M. Skibbe.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Gamba Osaka is 6.92, compared to 7.06 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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 Sanfrecce Hiroshima's best-rated player is S. Nakano (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Gamba Osaka have contributed 13 goals and 9 assists this season, led by R. Yamashita (7G). Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters account for 9 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by H. Kawabe (3G). 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 7.01 on average, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 3-man backline averaging 7.05. 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 5 midfielders averaging 6.83, versus Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 4 rated 7.15. 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 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima averaging 6.87. 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.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 50% for Gamba Osaka and —% for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Gamba Osaka's starters have collected 14 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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 27.3 (youngest: R. Handa (23), oldest: S. Nakatani (29)), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima average 30.0 (youngest: S. Nakano (25), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)). 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 32 league appearances each, versus 36 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 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. Sanfrecce Hiroshima show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Gamba Osaka
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Head to Head
Gamba Osaka and Sanfrecce Hiroshima have met 2 times — Gamba Osaka won 0, Sanfrecce Hiroshima won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Sanfrecce Hiroshima leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.00 per match (0 for the home side, 2 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 1–0 in 2025.
0
Gamba Osaka
0
Drawn
2
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026