J.League clubs continued to struggle in the 2016 AFC Champions League on Wednesday night, with neither Gamba Osaka nor Urawa Reds able to collect full points.
At Suita Stadium, Gamba limped to a 1-1 draw against defending A-League champions Melbourne Victory.
After surrendering a third-minute own goal following a set play, the Kansai side eventually found an equaliser when Yasuhito Endo met Takashi Usami’s cross with a well-timed header.
The Reds fared worse, losing 0-1 to Pohang Steelers in their first away match of the tournament.
The game’s lone goal came after defender Tomoaki Makino was whistled for a handball in the penalty area, with Steelers’ Son Joon-ho converting from the spot.
Despite playing the last 20 minutes with a man advantage after Son was showed a second yellow card, Reds were unable to find the back of the net.
Following the second match day, 2008 champions Gamba are in third place in Group G with two points, while 2007 winners Reds sit in second in Group H with three points.