Gamba Osaka opened their AFC Champions League 2 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong's Eastern Football Club on September 17, 2025. The match at Panasonic Stadium Suita saw the hosts overcome a spirited start from the visitors to claim a comfortable win. Eastern FC surprised the home crowd by taking an early lead, but Gamba Osaka responded swiftly with an equalizer. The Japanese side then took control, scoring two more goals before halftime to establish a commanding 3-1 lead. The second half was a more subdued affair, with Gamba managing the game professionally and seeing out the victory without further alarm. The result provided the ideal start for Gamba in a competitive group, instantly applying pressure to their rivals. The Gamba manager was pleased with his team's reaction to going behind, and the Eastern coach took positives from his team's early performance.