Usami-Hümmet masterclass topples league leaders (Gamba Osaka vs Kyoto Sanga analysis) | OneFootball

Gamba Osaka End Winless Run with Victory Over High-Flying Kyoto Sanga

Clinical Hosts Secure Important Derby Win

Gamba Osaka ended their three-match winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kyoto Sanga in Wednesday's J1 League clash at Panasonic Stadium Suita.

Daniel Poyatos' side, who started the day in 14th position, produced a clinical first-half performance to overcome their high-flying Kansai rivals who entered the match sitting at the summit of the table.

Fast Start Proves Decisive

The hosts wasted no time making their mark, taking the lead after just 10 minutes when Takashi Usami finished a well-worked move following good work from January signing Deniz Hümmet.

The pair combined again to devastating effect in the 27th minute, this time with roles reversed as Usami turned provider for Hümmet, who netted his first goal since joining from Swedish side Djurgardens IF.

Kyoto, who had been enjoying an impressive campaign under manager Cho Kwi-Jae, responded seven minutes later when midfielder Takuji Yonemoto reduced the deficit with a finish from Hidehiro Sugai's assist.

Contrasting Approaches

Despite dominating possession (60%) and creating more shots (13 to 10), Kyoto couldn't find an equaliser as Gamba's defence held firm in the second half.

The visitors' control of the ball was evident in the passing statistics, completing 451 passes at 75% accuracy compared to Gamba's 303 at 66%. However, the hosts' counter-attacking approach proved more effective where it mattered most.

Gamba goalkeeper Jun Ichimori was rarely troubled despite Kyoto's territorial advantage, making just one save as the visitors struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut opportunities.

Standout Performers

Usami delivered a captain's performance with a rating of 8.2, contributing a goal, an assist and three key passes. His partnership with Hümmet (also 8.2) proved the difference, with the Turkish forward involved in both goals.

For Kyoto, substitute Masaya Okugawa provided a spark after coming off the bench, earning a 7.3 rating as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

Table Impact

The result sees Kyoto drop from first to third in the standings, ending their impressive run of six wins from eight matches. They'll look to bounce back in their next fixture against Cerezo Osaka.

"We had preparation issues and started poorly," admitted Cho post-match. "But we haven't lost back-to-back games this season and we're determined to respond positively at home."

For Gamba, the win provides much-needed relief after a difficult spell that had seen them struggle particularly when conceding first. They'll hope to build momentum when they host Shonan Bellmare next.