Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz praised his players for their resilience and adaptability after the Southern Tigers secured a 2-0 away victory over Chengdu Rongcheng in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 League Stage (East Zone) Matchday 3 clash on Tuesday night.
Despite challenging conditions at the Phoenix Hill Football Stadium, including a slippery surface and chilly weather, JDT delivered a disciplined and composed performance to record their first win of the campaign.
Speaking after the match, Xisco Muñoz acknowledged the tough environment and credited his team’s mental strength for making the difference against a strong opponent and a passionate home crowd.
“It’s not easy to beat Chengdu Rongcheng here in China,” said Muñoz.
“But today, the players adapted very well to the pitch conditions and did everything necessary to win.”
The Spaniard highlighted the significance of securing three points against a well-organized team boasting top-quality players and home advantage.
“Winning 2–0 against a team with such talented players and incredible fan support is never easy. I’m very proud of how my players responded under pressure and showed personality on the field.”
JDT took an early lead through Oscar Arribas in the fifth minute before Nacho Mendez sealed the victory with a powerful second-half strike. The win marked the Malaysian champions’ first-ever away victory in China and lifted them to fifth place in the East Zone standings with four points from three matches.
The result also reflected the growing maturity of Xisco’s squad, who demonstrated tactical discipline and strong defensive organization throughout the game.
Looking ahead, JDT will continue their ACLE journey with a home fixture against Chinese powerhouse Shanghai Shenhua on November 5, 2025, at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
With renewed confidence following their win in Chengdu, the Southern Tigers will aim to carry their momentum forward as they chase qualification to the knockout stages of Asia’s premier club competition.
Credit Photo : AFC
