The “Magic Night” lived up to its billing. A jubilant Xisco Muñoz didn’t hold back his praise for his Johor Darul Ta’zim side after they dismantled Vissel Kobe’s resolve to secure a historic 1-0 victory and a place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16.
In a match that tested the Southern Tigers’ mental fortitude as much as their tactical discipline, Xisco’s men proved they belong at the pinnacle of Asian football.
JDT had to do it the hard way. The roar of the SSI crowd was silenced twice by the referee’s whistle as Nene (1st half) and Marcos Guilherme (2nd half) saw their goals chalked off. However, instead of crumbling, JDT intensified their “High-Press” engine.
“Tonight was extraordinary. We got the result we wanted because the players showed their true character. They gave everything on the pitch—this is the determination I demand from this team.” — Xisco Muñoz
While Marcos Guilherme’s 73rd-minute winner grabbed the headlines, Xisco was equally thrilled with the tactical discipline at the back. For the Spaniard, the clean sheet against the J-League’s best was the ultimate validation of JDT’s growth
With the knockout stages looming, Xisco isn’t worried about the identity of their next opponent. Whether it’s a trip to Korea or a return to China, the boss believes the home-and-away format will favor the Tigers, especially with the “extraordinary” SSI faithful behind them.
“The further we go, the stronger the opponents will be,” Xisco warned. “But we cannot look back. We are here to measure ourselves against the best and see exactly how far this club can go.”
Credit Photo : AFC
