Kawasaki's loss to Pohang means they face a tough trip to reigning champions Gamba Osaka.

"I was hoping to see all the J. League teams win their group and then also advance to the quarter-finals. However, in our match against Kawasaki, only one can advance and I hope that will be Gamba," said Gamba coach Akira Nishino, now in his eighth season with the Osaka side.

Gamba were unbeaten in 17 ACL games before a 2-1 loss to Seoul in their final Group F match last month.

Takashi Sekizuka, who guided Kawasaki to the ACL quarters in 2007, lamented his side's loss to Pohang. However, last year's J.League runners-up boast a dazzling array of attacking talent, including DPR Korea striker Jong Tae-se and Brazilian trio Juninho, Renatinho and Vitor Junior.

"Although we have to play Gamba away to stay in the tournament, this is not the end for us," said Sekizuka, now in his sixth season with Kawasaki. "We'll fix our problems in our domestic competition to prepare for the game."

Gamba and Frontale resumed J.League action on Saturday, when Osaka lost 2-0 to Albirex Niigata and Kawasaki beat Oita Trinita 2-0. The teams lie seventh and fourth in the league respectively.