KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) campaign got off to a poor start after they fell 2-1 to Thai champions Buriram United in their opening match at the Buriram Stadium on Tuesday.
It was the fifth ACLE meeting between the clubs since 2017, with Buriram, nicknamed the Thundercastle, extending their unbeaten run against the Southern Tigers to three wins and two draws.
JDT briefly raised hopes of ending that streak when Cristian Glauder stunned the home crowd with a crisp left-footed strike in the eighth minute.
But Buriram hit back after the break. Suphanat Mueanta levelled the score in the 50th minute after being set up by skipper Robert Zulj.
Five minutes later, the pair combined again – this time Mueanta turned provider as Zulj tucked home from close range to complete the turnaround.
JDT pushed hard for a late equaliser, but goalkeeper Neil Etheridge pulled off several fine saves to preserve Buriram’s lead.
The Super League champions will next host J-League side Machida Zelvia at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sept 30.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
