Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz admitted that the brilliance of Buriram United forward Suphanat Mueanta proved decisive in his side’s 2-1 loss at Buriram Stadium in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 opener.
The clash marked the fifth time JDT and Buriram have faced each other in Asia’s premier club competition. The visitors initially struck first when Spanish defender Antonio Glauder opened the scoring in the first half.
However, Buriram turned the game around in the second half. Suphanat equalized with a precise finish before turning provider, setting up Robert Zulj to complete the comeback for the Thai champions.
Speaking after the match, Muñoz highlighted how the 22-year-old Thai international’s sharp instincts inside the penalty area shifted the momentum against JDT.
“We spoke earlier (about Suphanat). You simply cannot allow a striker of that quality space inside the box,” said Muñoz.
“He can score himself or create chances for others, and small moments like that can change the whole game.”
Despite the setback, Muñoz urged his players to bounce back quickly as they prepare for their next domestic assignment against Sabah FC on September 21 in the Liga Super Malaysia.
Credit Photo : BRUTD
