Johor Darul Ta’Zim Head coach, Xisco Muñoz expressed pride in his players’ fighting spirit despite Johor Darul Ta’Zim falling 1-2 to Al Ahli Saudi in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 quarter-final, bringing an end to the Malaysian champions’ historic continental run.
Despite the defeat, Muñoz highlighted JDT’s performance, insisting his side remained competitive throughout the contest.
“I think we made a good performance. Our team competed, stayed in the game, and showed character.”
However, he admitted that key moments — particularly before halftime — proved decisive.
“We needed to be more mature before the break. That was a moment where we could have controlled the game better.”
Muñoz pointed to lapses in concentration and defensive organization as costly factors against a top-tier opponent.
Facing a side with significantly greater squad value and depth, JDT struggled at times to cope with Al Ahli’s pace and attacking transitions.
“We lost focus in some situations, especially in key defensive moments. At this level, every detail matters.”
He also acknowledged the physical and tactical challenge posed by the Saudi champions, particularly in wide areas and transition play.
Despite the disappointment, Muñoz emphasized that the experience will serve as a stepping stone for the club’s continued growth in Asia.
“We are sad, of course. But we must learn from this and improve. This is how we grow.”
The JDT boss stressed that competing against elite Asian clubs requires not only tactical discipline but also psychological strength.
“We need to control these moments better — mentally and tactically. That is the next step for us.”
JDT’s quarter-final appearance marks a historic milestone for Malaysian football, reinforcing the club’s ambition to compete among Asia’s elite.
Muñoz remains optimistic about the future:
“We will work very hard and push ourselves for next season. We want to come back stronger and perform even better in this competition.”
While their journey in the AFC Champions League Elite ends at the last eight, JDT leave the stage having proven they can compete — and belong — at the highest level of Asian football.
Credit Photo : AFC
