AFC Champions League Elite - Munoz hails JDT’s character

Iskandar Puteri: Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Munoz praised his players for continuing to believe in the hard-fought 1-0 win over Vissel Kobe on Tuesday which secured a place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ for the Malaysian side.

Marcos Guilherme’s 73rd-minute strike proved decisive as JDT advanced from the League Stage for the second successive season.

#ACLElite | Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (MAS) 1-0 Vissel Kobe (JPN)

“It was an amazing performance. This victory is very important for us because it represents another step forward in our journey,” said Munoz.

“I’m especially happy with how the supporters were tonight – the connection between the fans and the team was something special. They helped us in every moment."

“I’m also proud of the players because they gave everything they had. We continue with another clean sheet and that shows our balance and defensive solidity.

"It shows that everyone is capable of playing in these types of matches with this level of intensity and character.”

Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe reflected on a match where his side had opportunities but were undone by JDT’s persistence, with the result costing the Japanese side the East Zone top spot.

“JDT had better chances towards the end of the match,” said Skibbe. “We were twice lucky to escape from the two disallowed goals and we also had chances which saw us hitting the posts.

“In the end we enjoyed the atmosphere. Congratulations to JDT for winning this evening at reaching the next round.”

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