JDT STAND FIRM TO DENY BURIRAM UNITED AT THEIR OWN TURF 

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) held more fancied Buriram United to a goalless draw in their own backyard in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) Round of 16 match tonight.

In the clash at Buriram Stadium in Thailand, the home side dominated possession and created dynamic attacking moves but struggled with finishing, while also facing difficulties breaking down JDT’s disciplined defence.

Buriram’s best chance in the first half came when striker Martin Boakye narrowly missed converting a low cross from Dion Cools from the right in the early minutes of added time.

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The match became more balanced in the second half as both teams adjusted their attacking strategies.

Thai international forward Suphanat Mueanta came close to scoring in the 65th minute, but his powerful header from Lucas Crispim’s cross was brilliantly saved by JDT goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre Dorronsoro.

JDT made a total of five substitutions, including the introduction of former Valencia forward Samu Castillejo, who made his debut for the Southern Tigers. However, he failed to make a significant impact, with JDT unable to find the net until the final whistle.

The return leg between JDT and Buriram is set to take place at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, next Tuesday.

Notably, this marks the second meeting between JDT and Buriram in this season’s ACL Elite competition, with their previous encounter also ending in a goalless draw at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last December.

-- BERNAMA