Johor Darul Ta’Zim ended journey in Asian stage after losing to Buriram United, a club from Thailand scoring 0-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri.
JDT thought they had taken the lead inside the opening minute when Bergson slotted home a rebound from close range. However, VAR ruled the goal offside, denying the home side a dream start.
Buriram responded swiftly, with Guilherme Bissoli testing JDT’s Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre from outside the box, forcing a strong save.
JDT came agonizingly close in the 28th minute when a well-worked attacking move inside Buriram’s penalty area created space for Afiq Fazail, but his effort struck the woodwork, leaving the home crowd in frustration.
As the first half drew to a close, a moment of uncertainty almost cost JDT, as Zubiaurre misjudged the flight of a cross, allowing Suphanat Mueanta a free header. However, the Thai forward failed to direct his effort on target, keeping the score level at halftime.
After a tense 238 minutes of football between the two teams in this season’s competition, the deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute. Eddy Israfilov’s block inadvertently set up Suphanat, who curled a stunning shot past Zubiaurre, silencing the home crowd.
JDT had a golden opportunity to equalize just nine minutes later when Bergson expertly controlled a long ball and teed up Oscar Arribas, but Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge stood tall to deny the Spanish full-back.
Desperate for an equalizer, JDT introduced Heberty and Jese in a last-ditch effort to turn the game around. However, Buriram’s resolute defense repelled every attack, ensuring their place in the quarter-finals.
Despite their valiant efforts, JDT’s dream of progressing further in Asia came to an end. The Malaysian champions will now shift their focus back to domestic competitions, hoping to bounce back stronger.
Meanwhile, Buriram United continues their impressive run in the tournament, proving their quality on the continental stage.
Credit Photo : Ridhwan/SNE-Photo
