Johor Darul Ta’zim endured a frustrating start to their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 campaign after falling 2-1 to Thai champions Buriram United at Buriram Stadium, Buriram.
The Southern Tigers took the lead in the first half but were undone by a spirited Buriram fightback after the break, leaving Xisco Muñoz’s side with plenty to reflect on in their opening East Zone League Stage fixture.
The game sparked into life almost immediately. Inside 27 seconds, Joao Figueiredo thought he had given JDT a dream start, firing into the net after a rapid attack. However, VAR intervened and ruled out the goal for handball.
Buriram responded in the 7th minute through Guilherme Bissoli, who finished calmly, only for VAR to deny the Thai side too – this time for offside.
JDT continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 27th minute. From a corner, Figueiredo’s header was parried by Buriram keeper Neil Etheridge, but Antonio Glauder reacted quickest to fire home at the near post for a 1-0 lead.
Buriram almost equalized before halftime, but Suphanat Mueanta’s strike was superbly saved by JDT goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre, ensuring the visitors held their advantage at the break.
The second half turned the game on its head. In the 50th minute, Suphanat made amends, finishing a swift counterattack into the far corner to level the score 1-1.
Just four minutes later, Robert Zulj struck decisively, finishing off another Buriram counter to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
JDT nearly hit back in the 64th minute when Figueiredo’s powerful header rattled the crossbar before Etheridge gathered. Zulj thought he had a second in the 71st minute, but an offside flag cut short Buriram’s celebrations.
In the 76th minute, Buriram were awarded a penalty after Raul Parra was judged to have fouled Supachai Jaided in the box, but VAR overturned the decision to JDT’s relief.
JDT came close again in the 81st minute when Arif Aiman delivered a pinpoint cross to Figueiredo, but Etheridge denied the Brazilian with a crucial save.
Despite sustained late pressure, JDT couldn’t find an equalizer, as Buriram held firm to claim all three points.
Credit Photo : JST
