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AFC Champions League Elite
Making his first appearance on the continental stage, Suzuki delivered a solid performance as Hiroshima recovered from conceding an early goal to seal their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare.
#ACLElite | Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 2-1 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)
“It was my first time playing in the AFC Champions League stage, but I didn’t feel nervous. I came here determined to deliver results. Conceding early made the game difficult but the team stayed composed and never lost our shape,” said 22-year-old Suzuki.
“We were patient, kept pushing and I was able to calmly convert the penalty. We made a few adjustments at half-time and scoring the second goal that way was very positive as set-pieces are one of our strengths.”
“We were patient, kept pushing and I was able to calmly convert the penalty. We made a few adjustments at half-time and scoring the second goal that way was very positive as set-pieces are one of our strengths.”
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JDT had stunned the home crowd when Marcos Guilherme capitalised on a defensive lapse to hand the Malaysian champions a third minute lead. However, the balance shifted following Jonathan Silva’s dismissal in the 16th minute with Suzuki striking in the 18th and 47th minutes to complete Hiroshima’s turnaround.
“There were some dangerous moments late on, but everyone put their bodies on the line to defend. That was a big positive, and I truly believe we have a chance to challenge for the title. We want to keep pushing toward that goal.”
“There were some dangerous moments late on, but everyone put their bodies on the line to defend. That was a big positive, and I truly believe we have a chance to challenge for the title. We want to keep pushing toward that goal.”
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Hiroshima head coach Bartosch Gaul admitted his team were sidetracked by the early setback but praised their response and resilience.
“We are very happy to take the three points at home. The early goal wasn’t ideal for our game plan as it allowed them to sit deeper and defend compactly. From that moment, we knew it would be a difficult match,” said Gaul.
“However, our reaction after the mistake was very good. We played with passion, pushed forward and stayed disciplined.”
“We are very happy to take the three points at home. The early goal wasn’t ideal for our game plan as it allowed them to sit deeper and defend compactly. From that moment, we knew it would be a difficult match,” said Gaul.
“However, our reaction after the mistake was very good. We played with passion, pushed forward and stayed disciplined.”
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JDT head coach Xisco Munoz pointed to the red card as the defining moment but believes his side can deliver when they face Japan’s Vissel Kobe in their concluding League Stage tie next week.
“One of the key moments that changed the game was the penalty and the red card. In matches of this level, small details are decisive, and losing a player makes controlling the game much more difficult,” said Munoz.
“One of the key moments that changed the game was the penalty and the red card. In matches of this level, small details are decisive, and losing a player makes controlling the game much more difficult,” said Munoz.
“I think the players showed great character, intensity and strength in a very difficult situation. Still, we have to learn from these small mistakes. At this level, it’s important to stay 11 against 11.
“Now we focus on the next match, recover as quickly as possible and continue supporting the players, because they are working very hard to earn points here.”
“Now we focus on the next match, recover as quickly as possible and continue supporting the players, because they are working very hard to earn points here.”
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