JDT Demolish Pohang’s Asian Champions League Aspirations with a Resounding Victory

Johor Darul Ta’zim delivered a stunning 5-2 defeat to former champions Pohang Steelers on Tuesday, effectively knocking the South Koreans out of the Asian Champions League and securing their own spot in the last 16 under the guidance of Hector Bidoglio.

The Malaysian champions are set to be joined in the knockout phase by Thailand’s Buriram United, who cemented their progression with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Gwangju FC.

On another front, Shanghai Shenhua kept their fading hopes alive by securing a 4-2 victory over Vissel Kobe, who fielded a significantly weakened squad for their outing in China. Meanwhile, Kawasaki Frontale comfortably defeated the already-eliminated Central Coast Mariners with a 2-0 win.

Kawasaki currently top the 12-team standings, boasting 18 points from eight matches, leading by two points over their fellow Japanese side, Yokohama F Marinos, who are set to face Shanghai Port on Wednesday, with Kobe sitting in third place. The top eight teams will progress to the next round.

JDT climbed to fourth place following their home victory against the three-time Asian champions. The Malaysians bounced back after conceding first to a Lee Ho-Jae header in the 27th minute.

Oscar Arribas equalised 10 minutes later, and in a dominant second half, goals from Bergson and Arif Aiman allowed the hosts to cement a two-goal advantage.

Kang Hyeon-Je narrowed the gap with 10 minutes to play, but as Pohang pressed for an equaliser to keep their hopes alive, Jese struck on the counter, and Jorge Obregon completed the victory with a penalty deep into stoppage time.

“Our motivation was high going into this match, especially since it was our last game before the round of 16,” stated Bergson. “JDT are at their strongest right now and our motivation is at an all-time high.”

BURIRAM UNITED SECURE PROGRESSION WITH GWANGJU DRAW

Following their 2-2 draw with Buriram United, Gwangju slipped to fifth place while Buriram now occupies sixth after failing to convert a two-goal lead against the South Koreans.

Guilherme Bissoli opened the scoring for the visitors in the 13th minute, with Martin Boakye doubling their advantage just before half-time. However, a second-half brace from Oh Hu-seong allowed Gwangju to snatch a point.

Shanghai Shenhua capitalised on Kobe’s decision to rest key players, handing the J-League holders a 4-2 defeat that extended the Chinese side’s hopes of qualification.

Saulo Mineiro achieved a hat-trick against a young Kobe team that saw goalkeeper Powell Obi sent off in just the seventh minute.

The result catapults Shenhua to seventh place, level on 10 points with their compatriots Shandong Taishan, who are due to play an Ulsan HD team already out of contention on Wednesday.

A draw or win for Shandong, coupled with a victory for Shanghai Port against Yokohama F Marinos, would see Shanghai Shenhua fall out of the top eight and face elimination.