Takashi Usami scored on his 32nd birthday to give Gamba Osaka a 1-0 win over Cerezo Osaka in the J-League first-division on Monday, claiming their first victory in the derby since May 2019.
Captaining his boyhood club in his 250th J1 game, Usami marked the occasion by drilling home from 20 meters out in the 28th minute at Panasonic Stadium in front of a packed crowd of 34,485.
"We hadn't been able to send our fans home with a smile on their faces after recent derbies, so I hope they do that today and have some nice drinks," the former Japan attacker said.
With Cerezo looking to build from the back, Gamba pressed high and had a huge chance in the 25th minute after robbing the ball inside the opposing box, only to see Isa Sakamoto's shot denied by Cerezo keeper Kim Jin Hyeon.
Their goal came from an unexpected opportunity three minutes later, however, when Cerezo captain and Japan right-back Seiya Maikuma played a wayward pass toward the center of defense under pressure. Usami picked it up and wasted no time pulling the trigger, finding the bottom right corner and sending the home supporters into delirium.
Kim kept out attempts from Welton and Sakamoto after the break, while Usami pounced on another Cerezo mistake with five minutes to go but blasted over. Cerezo's former Sevilla man Hiroshi Kiyotake came on for Shinji Kagawa for his first league appearance this term, but his goal-bound header was deflected wide with a minute left as Gamba held on.
Elsewhere, leaders Machida Zelvia stayed top on 25 points after cruising to a 3-0 win at Kyoto Sanga. Holders Vissel Kobe are two points behind after fending off Albirex Niigata 3-2 at home.
FC Tokyo are up to 21 points after their 2-1 comeback win at Consadole Sapporo, moving a point above Cerezo. Sanfrecce Hiroshima relinquished their unbeaten record with a 3-2 home loss to Nagoya Grampus that put both teams on 19 points, one point above Gamba.
Tokyo Verdy edged 10-man Jubilo Iwata 3-2, while Avispa Fukuoka and Kawasaki Frontale drew 1-1.
