 Gamba's 3rd-place finish in the overall standings for J.League 1 in 2015 saw them paired against the Urawa Red Diamonds at the semi-final stage.Due to Urawa's higher placing, the match was played at Saitama Stadium 2002, Urawa's home ground.A 3-1 win after extra-time set up a two-legged final against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.