Gamba Osaka’s relentless focus on attack was a key factor in them winning this year’s 2008 Asian Champions League final.
They were comprehensive winners in the two-leg fixture, beating Adelaide United 3-0 in Osaka last week before securing the trophy with a 2-0 result at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.
But the goal rush against the Reds wasn’t a one-off occurrence with the Japanese side scoring a staggering 27 goals in their 12-game ACL campaign.
Gamba won nine of these matches and drew three.
Coach Akira Nishino said it was his team’s natural game to press hard for the full 90 minutes.
“It’s a Gamba style to attack and as time flows and there’s a chance we like to get more goals. If we can’t get a goal we change (our game style) until we get a goal,” he said.
“After today’s two goals we were still not satisfied.”
Nishino said the first leg of the final had given his players plenty of confidence ahead of their clash in South Australia.
But he was surprised when his side had gone 2-0 up after 15 minutes.
“We started smoother than expected, I was expecting a lot of pressure but our team was very aggressive and avoided the pressure. To be able to decide the match in the first half was really good,” he said.
“As a coach I’m very satisfied, it’s something we’ve aimed for since the start of the season and it’s a very high standard and we are very happy to be No.1.”
