Japan’s Gamba Osaka produced a stunning comeback performance to defeat Thailand’s Bangkok United 3-0 in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 semi-final at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.
Bangkok United entered the decisive clash with the advantage after securing a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg at Suita City Football Stadium in Osaka. However, Gamba Osaka delivered a commanding display to overturn the deficit and keep their title hopes alive.
The visitors began the match aggressively, applying early pressure on the Thai side. Their persistence paid off in the 19th minute when a corner kick created chaos inside the Bangkok United penalty area.
The loose ball fell kindly to Ryoya Yamashita, who fired home from close range to give Gamba Osaka a 1-0 lead on the night, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1.
Gamba Osaka continued to dictate the tempo and were awarded a crucial penalty in the 39th minute after Teerasil Dangda was judged to have fouled Issam Jebali inside the penalty area following a VAR review.
Jebali’s first penalty attempt was brilliantly saved by Bangkok United goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, but the striker reacted quickly to convert the rebound on the second attempt.
The goal gave Gamba Osaka a 2-0 lead in the match and a 2-1 advantage on aggregate heading into halftime.
After the break, Bangkok United pushed forward in search of a vital goal that would revive their hopes. The Thai side created several promising opportunities but were unable to break down Gamba Osaka’s organized defense.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Issam Jebali delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Ryotaro Meshino. The forward calmly finished from the centre of the box to make it 3-0, effectively ending Bangkok United’s hopes and extending Gamba Osaka’s aggregate lead to 3-1.
The match concluded with Gamba Osaka celebrating a commanding victory and a place in the ACL Two 2025/26 Final. The Japanese side will now face the West Zone champions in the final scheduled for 16 May, as they aim to lift the continental trophy.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
