Gamba took 20 shots and was ahead of Yokohama F･Marinos in the match, but suffered a bitter defeat. Although they missed out on a third consecutive win in the league, there is no doubt about the direction the team is heading in.
With three days to spare, Gamba's next stop will be against Kochi in the 1st Leg of the 1st Round of the Levain Cup.
"Gamba has to go all out to win. It's a tournament with a long history, so our goal is to do our best and reach the final." The Levain Cup, which changed to a knockout format last season, is a one-off match, just like the EMPEROR'S CUP. Gamba lost to Ryukyu in the first match of the tournament last season, but that's why they'll put all their effort into beating Kochi.

In addition, there is a debt to be repaid to Kochi, whom we will be meeting for the second time.
"I still haven't forgotten how I felt when we lost to Kochi,"Head Coach Poyatos. In the 2nd Leg of the EMPEROR'S CUP two years ago, Gamba lost 1-2 to Kochi, who was then in the JFL. Although it is a different tournament, this time it is time for Gamba to show their true strength.
"They will apply pressure from a high position and will make blocks when necessary" ( Head Coach Poyatos). Kochi has shown a strong defense in J3, but under Head Coach Akita, who took over this season, they will adopt a three-back formation. It is not easy to break through an opponent who is defending with a determined attitude, but Alano, who experienced the humiliation on the pitch two years ago, is on his guard, saying "I know they will come with a hard defense."

Since Mitsuta joined the team, Gamba has begun to demonstrate a variety of ways to break down the opposition, including short counterattacks with aggressive pressing from the front, but hopes are also high for Humet, who made his debut in the match against Yokohama F･Marinos, to help break down Kochi's solid defense.
Humet is a versatile player, but Head Coach Poyatos praises his ability to "use combinations to take shots even when there is no space." And Humet himself is also full of enthusiasm, saying, "In the long run, the most important thing is how well I can link up with everyone on the team. I want to play official matches and get accustomed to the team."

Meanwhile, Kochi is in 15th place with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses after 5 games in their first year in J3. However, they have 1 win and 1 draw in their last 2 games, and they were leading until the last minute of the draw in the previous round, so they are clearly in good form. Not only will they be fired up to face Gamba for the second time, but Kochi's first home win since being promoted to J3 will also be a motivation for them.
Kochi has 16 new players this season. The formation and lineup have changed significantly from the team two years ago, but the player Gamba should be most wary of is Kobayashi, who allowed them the opening goal two years ago. In addition to Kobayashi, who is the second-highest scorer in J3 with three goals, right wingback Kozuki is also a player to watch out for.
Although Ravi, who was called up to the Israeli national team, is absent, Head Coach Poyatos said, "I will select the members to win." The battle for the Levain Cup, aiming for the third championship, begins in Kochi.