Yamada's revenge denied by VAR in J1 stalemate (Yokohama FC vs Gamba Osaka analysis) | OneFootball

Yokohama FC and Gamba Osaka Share Spoils in Tense J1 League Encounter

Match Report

Yokohama FC and Gamba Osaka played out a 1-1 draw in their J1 League clash, with both goals coming in a lively opening 15 minutes at the Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

The hosts struck first through defender Boniface Nduka, who converted from Musashi Suzuki's assist in the seventh minute. Gamba responded swiftly, with Ryoya Yamashita finding the net just eight minutes later, courtesy of an assist from goalkeeper Jun Ichimori.

Yokohama thought they had secured all three points early in the second half when former Gamba midfielder Kota Yamada found the net, but his celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out for handball.

Tactical Battle

Shuhei Yomoda's Yokohama FC set up in their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Despite enjoying less possession (43%), they created more shots on target (4) than their opponents and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Gamba Osaka, under Daniel Poyatos, controlled proceedings with 57% possession in their 4-2-3-1 system. However, they struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances, registering just two shots on target from six attempts.

Key Performers

Boniface Nduka was exceptional for Yokohama, not only scoring the opener but winning all 11 of his duels and providing a commanding presence at the back. Akito Fukumori and Hinata Ogura also delivered strong performances in defence and midfield respectively.

For Gamba, goalscorer Ryoya Yamashita was their standout performer, while centre-back Shinnosuke Nakatani impressed with his distribution (49 accurate passes from 52 attempts) and defensive work.

Backdrop of Tension

The match carried additional intrigue with Kota Yamada facing his former club for the first time since his controversial March transfer to Yokohama. The midfielder received a hostile reception from the travelling Gamba supporters, adding spice to an already competitive fixture.

Injury Concerns

Both sides continue to battle significant injury problems. Yokohama FC remain without Brazilian forward João Paulo, who is in his homeland receiving treatment for a tibial stress fracture, while goalkeeper Tsubasa Shibuya is still sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.

Gamba manager Poyatos confirmed post-match that his team is missing several key players, including Kanji Okunuki, Takashi Usami and Welton Felipe, while Neta Lavi was rested due to fatigue following their midweek Levain Cup exertions.

League Context

The result leaves Yokohama FC on 11 points after 11 matches (3W, 2D, 6L) – their best start to a J1 League campaign – while Gamba sit slightly higher with 13 points (4W, 1D, 6L).

"It was a difficult match, especially after conceding early," admitted Gamba manager Poyatos. "We're dealing with fatigue and injury problems, which made it challenging to impose our rhythm."

Yokohama's Yamada downplayed the emotional aspect of facing his former employers: "I focused only on football, not on external feelings."