Gamba Osaka have received a by to the Knockout Stage of the J.League YBC Levain Cup following their 2017 AFC Champions League Playoff victory on Tuesday.

The 2016 runners-up join Kashima Antlers, Urawa Reds and Kawasaki Frontale in bypassing the group stage, which kicks off on March 15. 

The final line-up for the group stage is as follows:

Group A

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
Vegalta Sendai
Omiya Ardija
Kashiwa Reysol
FC Tokyo
Shimizu S-Pulse
Jubilo Iwata

Group B

Yokohama F. Marinos
Ventforet Kofu
Albirex Niigata
Cerezo Osaka
Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sagan Tosu