Johor Darul Ta’zim defeated Shanghai Shenhua 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite, moving to second in Group A with seven points.
JOHOR Darul Ta’zim delivered a commanding performance to defeat Shanghai Shenhua FC 3-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite group stage match.
The Southern Tigers dominated proceedings from the outset at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Tuesday night.
JDT created several early chances with Ager Aketxe Barrutia, Oscar Arribas, and Jonathan Silva all testing goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong within the first five minutes.
The home side made a tactical substitution in the 19th minute, bringing on Muhammad Afiq Fazail to replace Ager Aketxe in midfield.
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Oscar Arribas came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when his powerful strike hit the post in the 35th minute.
JDT finally broke through in the 47th minute when Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi set up Jonathan Silva for the opening goal.
The Malaysian champions doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute through Oscar Arribas, who finished emphatically from Muhammad Afiq Fazail’s precise pass.
Shanghai Shenhua reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 71st minute after Saulo Mineiro converted a penalty awarded following a VAR review.
Jonathan Silva sealed the victory for JDT in the 87th minute with his second goal of the match, finishing clinically from another Arif Aiman assist.
The 3-1 victory lifted JDT from 10th to second place in Group A with seven points from four matches.
This crucial win significantly enhances JDT’s prospects of advancing to the knockout stage of the competition. – Bernama
