ACLE: JDT DISPLAYED CHARACTER AND INTENSITY IN 3-1 TRIUMPH - MUNOZ

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz praised his team’s performance following their 3-1 victory over Shanghai Shenhua FC in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2025/26 group stage match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night.

He described the win as a massive achievement and said it was important for the squad’s confidence and overall development.

“I am very happy with the players because they work hard every single day. Today, they showed their character, rhythm and ability, and they played very well against Shanghai Shenhua,” he said at a post-match press conference.

He explained that tactical adjustments, including formation changes, allowed the team to maintain intensity and adapt through various circumstances during the match.

“We can play at different levels, we can change the systems. Today we played 4-4-2 with good intensity from one side to another. We controlled different spaces, pressed high and that was very positive for us,” he said, highlighting the squad’s tactical flexibility.

Munoz also praised Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi for his contributions, noting that his assists to Jonathan Silva highlighted the squad’s strong synergy and created multiple tactical options.

“They have a good connection and he delivered a very good pass to Jonathan. I mean, it’s good for Arif and also good for Jonathan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua FC head coach Leonid Slutsky said his players struggled to cope with JDT’s high-tempo play in the 3-1 defeat.

He added that the first goal proved decisive, with JDT’s skilful players making it difficult for Shanghai Shenhua to create clear-cut chances.

“I think today it was very important who scored first, because when we conceded, we had to move in attack and gave a lot of space to the very skilful players from Johor, and it was very difficult for us,” he said.

JDT secured the 3-1 win through goals by Jonathan Silva in the 47th minute, Oscar Arribas in the 63rd, and another from Jonathan in the 87th minute, while Saulo Mineiro netted a consolation for Shanghai Shenhua from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

The victory lifted JDT from 10th to second place in Group A of the ACL Elite 2025/26 standings with seven points from four matches, strengthening their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

-- BERNAMA