The result means that Adelaide will meet African champions Ahli in the 5th place playoff match on Thursday.

Gamba registered their third victory over the Oceania side this season, following a 5-0 aggregate victory in the AFC Champions League final.

The only goal of the game came from Yasuhito Endo after 23 minutes, finishing off a magnificent team move signified by a classy heading assist by substitute Ryuji Bando.

Gamba were lucky not to concede an equalizer before half-time, when Adelaide captain Travis Dodd was denied by the bar.

Dodd almost grabbed a last-gasp equalizer, but his close-range header went inches wide.

The Japanese claimed the narrow win and set up a semi-final tie with European champions Manchester United.