Johor Darul Ta’Zim lose 2nd match in this round after losing to Shandong Taishan scoring 0-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage(East Zone) at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre, Jinan.
Despite a valiant effort, JDT was undone by a 68th-minute strike from Zeca, leaving the Malaysian champions with an uphill task in their remaining group matches.
The match began energetically, with both teams creating chances in the opening minutes. JDT’s Ariff Aiman almost broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, weaving through Shandong’s defense only to see his effort blocked by Marcel Scalese. Shandong responded two minutes later when Scalese’s header from a Li Yuanyi corner narrowly missed the target.
JDT came close again in the 21st minute when Juan Muniz threaded a precise ball to Jorge Obregon, but Shandong goalkeeper Wang Dalei made a crucial save. Wang proved instrumental throughout the match, denying efforts from Ariff and Oscar Arribas before halftime.
Shandong squandered a golden opportunity in the 38th minute when Natxo Insa’s misclearance presented the ball to Liu Binbin, who fired over the bar. The first half ended with JDT left frustrated by Wang’s heroics, including a crucial save to deny Murilo Henrique in the dying seconds.
JDT nearly found the breakthrough in the 47th minute as Eddy Israfilov set up Arribas, but Wang once again proved impenetrable. In a bid to bolster their attack, JDT introduced Bergson in the 51st minute. The substitution almost paid off when Bergson forced another fine save from Wang in the 63rd minute.
Shandong eventually punished JDT for their missed chances. In the 68th minute, Cryzan threaded a perfect pass to Zeca, who muscled past the JDT defense and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre to secure the winning goal.
JDT’s back-to-back losses put them in a precarious position in the group, with their chances of advancing hinging on improved performances and results in their upcoming matches. Shandong Taishan, meanwhile, gained vital points to strengthen their position in the group standings.
Credit Photo : JST
