Melbourne Victory are still in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout phase of this season's Asian Champions League.

After a poor start to their group stage campaign, the Victory have been able to bounce back with two draws and a win in their last three but perhaps their latest result might have served them better if it was as the name suggests, a victory.

Melbourne were held to s 1-1 draw by Japanese club Gamba Osaka at Etihad Stadium in veteran Kevin Muscat's last match for the club on home soil.

The home side netted first through centre-half Adrian Leijer who headed home in the 12th minute but the Victory could not maintain their lead as Sota Nakazawa leveled just prior to half-time.

The point recorded from the draw leaves the Victory on the bottom of the Group E table in five points but if they can muster a win in their final match against Jeju United in Korea and group leaders Tianjin Teda defeat Gamba, then the Melbourne club will move through to the next phase.