Group G of the Asian Champions League is like a mountain to first timers the Melbourne Victory. They find themselves in a position too delicate for mountain goats as their opponents, Osaka, hit form with three consecutive wins.

With Archie Thompson out for the remaining group games it was a crucial first competitive test for the three-pronged attack of Ward, Caceres and Allsopp. Good trial form, against Adelaide United, inspired hope and it was carried into the early period of the game. Melbourne was at their best early when they dominated possession and dictated the tempo. Muscat's precision long balls were worked quickly by the triumvirate and their inventive runs confused the Osaka defence. In 4mins Caceres and Allsopp exploited this confusion with a beautiful one-two before Caceres launched a keeper-seeking missile. Naoki Matsuyo's error was in seeking protection behind his hands which deflected the ball to Allsopp who cleaned up the scraps.

It took 20 mins for possession to even out and for Osaka to develop their rhythm. As they held possession they were able to find room down the wings with good link work bringing Bare into the game. Gamba Osaka has been destroying their recent challengers and the ominous pressure erupted with trademark worthy "Champions League Goal" from Takahiro Futagawa in the 31st minute. A goal, equal to Deivid's for Fenerbache against Chelsea, that proved Osaka's depth and capacity. Theoklitos would have been carried into the net had he caught the ball. It was unstoppable.

The air of menace Osaka developed when holding the ball and with players in motion brought set-pieces and from a 38th minute corner Bare scored with an amazing header. Strength and power rather than error were responsible for this goal. Bare had earlier frustrations, inspired by Muscat and Vargas, but his cannonball-ing through the defence to Endo's corner was almost frightening and a 2-1 lead was the reward. It was an exhibition of Osaka's attacking strength.

Osaka's form book includes a Matchday 2 victory over Pohang 4-3 and the fragile defence inspired Melbourne to attack. They tempered Route 1 football with sharp passing allowing Celeski, Ward and Caceres to link well. Pantelidis came on in an attempt to transform this into dominance. The attacking triumvirate played well and their good play inevitably brought opportunities. The set-play would again wreck havoc with the Osaka defence with Vargas heading home Caceres' free kick. It took

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