Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) finally celebrated their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 League Stage (East Zone), defeating Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng 2-0 at Pheonix Hill Football Stadium, Chengdu.
It was a perfect start for the Malaysian champions as Oscar Arribas broke the deadlock in the 5th minute. The Spanish winger made a sharp run into Chengdu’s penalty area before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Liu Dianzuo to put JDT ahead.
The early goal shocked the hosts, who tried to regroup and chase an equalizer. However, JDT’s defensive duo Antonio Glauder and Eddy Israfilov held firm, cutting out several dangerous attempts led by Chengdu’s forward Pedro Delgado.
In the 35th minute, Brazilian striker Jairo da Silva came close to doubling JDT’s advantage, but his powerful shot was brilliantly denied by Dianzuo. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, the first half ended with JDT maintaining a slim 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second half, head coach Xisco Muñoz was forced to make a change after Israfilov picked up an injury late in the first half. Veteran defender Shane Lowry came on to partner Glauder at the heart of the defense.
JDT absorbed Chengdu’s growing pressure and responded clinically on the counter. In the 62nd minute, Nacho Mendez, the former Sporting Gijón captain, unleashed a stunning strike that flew past Dianzuo to make it 2-0 for the visitors.
Chengdu pressed hard in the closing stages, but Muñoz’s men stayed organized and disciplined to secure all three points — a vital result that reignites their campaign after a slow start.
The result lifted the Johor Darul Ta’Zim to fifth place in the East Zone table with four points after three matches.
Credit Photo : JST
