ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 5 (Bernama) — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) displayed near-total dominance to defeat Shanghai Shenhua FC 3-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) 2025/26 group stage match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tonight.
The Southern Tigers, coached by Xisco Munoz, started the game with high intensity, and within the first five minutes, threatening attempts from Ager Aketxe Barrutia, Oscar Arribas, and Jonathan Silva forced goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong into fine saves.
In the 18th minute, JDT were awarded a free kick after Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi was brought down while attempting to break through Shanghai Shenhua’s defence.
JDT made an early tactical change in the 19th minute, bringing on Muhammad Afiq Fazail to replace Ager Aketxe in order to strengthen midfield control.
Oscar Arribas’ free-kick attempt in the 20th minute was parried away by Luis Asue, while Jairo Da Silva almost found the net in the 22nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
The best chance of the first half came in the 35th minute when Oscar Arribas’ powerful strike hit the post, with the first half ending goalless.
In the second half, JDT broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Arif Aiman delivered a brilliant pass from a tight angle to Jonathan Silva, who slotted past Bao Yaxiong.
JDT doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Oscar Arribas converted a precise pass from Muhammad Afiq Fazail with a thunderous strike to make it 2-0.
Shanghai Shenhua pulled one back in the 71st minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Natxo Insa inside the penalty box.
Saulo Mineiro converted the penalty with a low shot to the left of JDT goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre Dorronsoro, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Tensions flared in the 81st minute when Joao Teixeira and Saulo Mineiro were shown yellow cards for fouls committed to stop JDT’s counterattack.
JDT extended their lead in the 87th minute when Jonathan Silva finished off a superb move with a decisive strike following an excellent pass from Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, sealing a 3-1 victory.
The win lifted JDT from 10th to second place in Group A of the ACL Elite 2025/26 standings with seven points after four matches, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
— BERNAMA
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