Gamba Osaka vs Nam Định: The Ultimate Challenge (17:00, October 22, Live on K+, AFC Champions League Two)

22/10/2025 06:55:00 soccer

Following their severe loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima last season, Nam Định boldly invested in restructuring their team aiming for continental success. The upcoming clash with the esteemed J-League club Gamba Osaka will serve as a genuine measure of the V-League champions’ conquering capabilities.

Gamba Osaka recently secured a 2-0 victory over Ratchaburi FC from Thailand, in a match where the Japanese club clearly demonstrated their resilience and experience on Thai soil. That win not only propelled Gamba Osaka to the top of the group (tied with Nam Định at 6 points but ahead by one goal), but also showcased the threat posed by their collective style of play.

However, coach Poyatos Dani’s squad still causes concern among fans. Recently, in domestic competition, Gamba Osaka unexpectedly suffered a heavy 0-5 home defeat to Kashiwa Reysol in the J-League. Prior to that, they had only managed a 0-0 draw against Kashima Antlers.

After 34 rounds, Gamba Osaka currently ranks 9th, a rather disappointing position compared to fans' expectations. This situation might prompt Gamba Osaka to focus all their efforts on the continental tournament to salvage their season.

As for Nam Định FC, the team from Nam city is fully concentrating on the Asian stage. Following their 2024/25 V-League championship, Nam Định has clearly shown ambition by recruiting numerous quality foreign players for international competition.

Two wins against Eastern (Hong Kong, China) and Ratchaburi (Thailand) demonstrate that Nam Định did not come to the AFC Champions League Two merely to "learn." Despite a four-match winless streak in the V-League, including three losses, this seems to signal that coach Vũ Hồng Việt’s team is prioritizing investment in the international arena.

Coach Vũ Hồng Việt might field a lineup consisting entirely of foreign players against Gamba Osaka. Photo: Song Ngọc

Compared to last season, Nam Định has matured significantly. The team once suffered a heavy defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a mismatch of class, but now they have gained experience, improved their squad, and developed a resilient spirit.

Nevertheless, Gamba Osaka remains a formidable "mountain." With stars like Takashi Usami (former Bayern Munich player), Issam Jebali (Tunisian international), and a group of seasoned domestic players, Gamba Osaka is very strong. Last year, the non-foreign lineup of Sanfrecce Hiroshima handed Nam Định a costly lesson.

The match in Japan will be an opportunity to test Nam Định’s mettle. Playing away here is always a harsh challenge. The differences in fitness, playing speed, and tactical thinking between Japanese and Vietnamese football remain significant. To earn points, Nam Định must play with strict discipline, capitalize well on counterattacks, and, most importantly, avoid past mistakes.

Vietnam’s representative has good reason to hope for points in Japan. Coach Vũ Hồng Việt might deploy an all-foreign lineup. His players have played together for a long time, and their cohesion is evident.

When facing Gamba Osaka, the foreign players might shine. If Nam Định maintains a fiery fighting spirit, causing an upset at Gamba Osaka is quite feasible. Even so, a draw in Japan would be considered a significant success before the two teams meet again soon at Thiên Trường.

Nam Định aims to prove they deserve to represent Vietnam on the international stage. The outcome of this match will not only affect the standings in Group F but also affirm Vietnam’s football ambitions in continental competition.

Expected Lineups

Gamba Osaka (4-2-3-1): Tani Kosei, Kurokawa Keisuke, Fukuoka Shota, Miura Genta, Handa Riku, Neta Lavi, Rihito Yamamoto, Yamashita Ryo, Usami Takashi, Juan Alano, Issam Jebali

Nam Định (4-3-3): Caique Santos, Walber, Lucas Alves, Michell Dijks, Văn Kiên, Romulo, Ti Phông, Hansen, Brenner, Eid Mahmoud, Percy Tau

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