Guangzhou Evergrande reaches Asian Champions League final

OSAKA, Japan (AP) - Guangzhou Evergrande advanced to the final of the Asian Champions League on Wednesday after a goalless draw with Gamba Osaka sealed a 2-1 aggregate win.

Japanese treble winners Gamba were unable to overturn last month's 2-1 loss and end the Chinese club's unbeaten run in all competitions since May.

The Chinese Super League champions will face Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates in next month's AFC Champions League final.

Guangzhou enjoyed the better of the chances in the first half at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium.

Brazilian striker Elkeson had Guangzhou's best chance in the 24th minute with an angled right-footed shot that forced Gamba goalkeeper Masaaki Higashiguchi to make a diving save.

J-League leading scorer Takashi Usami came on in the second half and gave the hosts more option. He set up Shu Kurata with 20 minutes left but the midfielder's shot was blocked by Guangzhou goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.

Usami then sent an effort just beyond the far post from the edge of the area as the contest entered the closing stages.

The Japan striker threatened again with six minutes remaining with another effort just wide.

Guangzhou will travel to Dubai on Nov. 7 before hosting the crucial second leg two weeks later.

Gamba was looking to become the first Japanese team to reach the final since they won it in 2008.