EN
Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Hiroshima: Xisco Munoz was beaming with pride after Johor Darul Ta’zim reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday.
Kosuke Kinoshita’s 90th-minute penalty gave Sanfrecce Hiroshima a 1-0 win on the night but Malaysia’s JDT advanced 3-2 on aggregate, securing quarter-final progression for the first time.
#ACLElite | R16 2nd Leg: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 1-0 Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (MAS)

#ACLElite | R16 2nd Leg: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 1-0 Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (MAS)

“It was a difficult game. We spoke about the danger they (Sanfrecce) have from set-pieces and today they scored again in that situation,” said Munoz. “But the most important thing is that the team continued with the same intensity, power and belief in what we are doing. 

“We have made history – a Malaysian club is reaching the knockout stage, which is something very positive. There are still things we can improve, but I’m very happy, the club showed it can compete at a high level. 

“I’m also very happy for the players and the staff because everyone has given everything. It has been a long and demanding season with a lot of travel and we worked very hard to reach this moment.
Sanfrecce head coach Bartosch Gaul expressed his disappointment after seeing his side fall short.

“Both the team and I feel angry and disappointed because we invested a lot into this tie,” said Gaul. “The first leg was already a big challenge and we knew coming here would be difficult as well. We stayed focused, tried to score, delivered crosses and defended well and I think we created some good situations.
image content
“Credit to our opponents because they defended their box very well with their big, strong players, which made things difficult for us. Overall we still created good chances. I want to compliment my team. We fought and believed until the end and even if it wasn't enough today, I’m sure it will be in the future.”

Related News

  1. R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history
    AFC Champions League Elite

    R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history

  2. R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket
    AFC Champions League Elite

    R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket

  3. QF (2nd Leg): Felipe’s late winner takes Gamba through
    AFC Champions League Two

    QF (2nd Leg): Felipe’s late winner takes Gamba through

  4. #WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers
    AFC Women's Asian Cup

    #WAC2026 - Group Stage: In Numbers

  5. Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter
    AFC Champions League Elite

    Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Item 1 of 5