First-half goals by Lucas and Yasuhito Endo and a second-half volley from Michihiro Yasuda gave the J.League side a healthy advantage to take into the return match in Australia next week.

It was the first time Adelaide had conceded more than one goal in a game throughout their AFC Champions League campaign and Nishino felt justified by his choice to play Lucas on his own up front.

“Many people were concerned that we only played with only one striker but we played very well with the 4-2-3-1 strategy,” the Gamba coach explained after the game.

“Adelaide defended very well and in numbers but we were effective against them with our good movement and quick passing which caused a lot of confusion for their defence.

“Endo was our key man with that strategy and he played very well, as did Hideo Hashimoto.”

While pleased with the result, Nishino admitted that he was not completely satisfied with the performance of his team.

“The team worked well as a unit but I am not completely satisfied because they could have played much better,” he added.

“At the beginning of second half we didn’t start very well and could not create any opportunities.

“I wanted to send out a message to the players that we should try to score more goals and so I brought on (striker) Masato Yamazaki.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t find a fourth goal but I appreciate that the team didn’t concede any goals today. An away goal for Adelaide could have been very crucial but we didn’t concede and that was important.

“I am happy with the result and I hope that we can continue to play in a similar style in the second-leg.”

Nishino though is expecting a stronger challenge from the A-League outfit when they meet at Hindmarsh Stadium in a week’s time.

“I wish that the final was already over because the second-leg will be very tough and Adelaide might show us a different game in Australia.

“But we will prepare ourselves as well as possible for that return game.”