JDT stay unbeaten in AFC Champions League Elite ahead of Jeonbuk trip, Bergson injury a worry

Johor Darul Ta'zim head to South Korea next week still unbeaten in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), after a 3-0 win over Thailand's Port FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday 27 October. The Southern Tigers now face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Tuesday 3 November, with the fitness of veteran striker Bergson Da Silva the main worry for coach Xisco Munoz.

Three second-half goals sink Port

JDT were held 0-0 at the break despite creating several chances, but the game opened up after half-time. Jonathan Silva put the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute, finishing from inside the box after good work from Arif Aiman Hanapi. Substitute Bergson Da Silva doubled the lead with a header from an Oscar Arribas cross just after the hour, and Juan Diego Molina Martinez, known as Stoichkov, wrapped up the win late on after a counter-attack involving Marcos Guilherme and Matias Nahuel.

The result was Port's third straight defeat in the competition. For JDT it was a second consecutive league-stage win, following a 2-0 victory away at Pohang Steelers on 13 October. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Buriram United on 15 September.

Seven points from three games

That run leaves JDT unbeaten on seven points from three matches, with a goal difference of plus five. Reports in Malaysia differ on exactly where that places them in the East region table, because several sides are bunched on the same points and the standings are tight at the top. Japanese clubs have set the pace, with Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers among those on maximum points.

Munoz praised his players' discipline and the adjustments made at half-time, calling it "an amazing night" for the team, as reported by Newswav.

Bergson concern

The main talking point after the win was Bergson. The 35-year-old Brazilian-born forward, who is also a Harimau Malaya international, was replaced shortly after scoring. Munoz later explained that Bergson had picked up the problem before his goal and had asked to come off. No timeline for his return has been given. Munoz told The Star the club hoped he would recover soon because important matches were coming up.

His fitness matters beyond Johor. Malaysia play friendlies against China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November, and Malaysian newspaper Kosmo reported that interim national coach Tan Cheng Hoe may need to look at other striking options if Bergson is not ready.

Jeonbuk test and a busy November

The trip to Jeonbuk, one of South Korea's most decorated clubs, is the fourth of JDT's league-stage matches. Kick-off is on Tuesday evening, Malaysia time; listings differ slightly on the exact hour, so fans should check the official AFC schedule or their broadcaster on the day.

After that, JDT have a full calendar. They travel to Hanoi to play Cong An Ha Noi in the ASEAN Club Championship on 19 November, having beaten Cambodia's Svay Rieng 6-0 in that competition on 8 October. Their next ACLE fixtures are away at Ratchaburi on 24 November and at home to Daejeon Hana Citizen on 1 December. Domestically, they lead the Liga Super with a perfect record of six wins from six, three points clear of Selangor.

Key takeaways

• JDT beat Port FC 3-0 on 27 October through Jonathan Silva, Bergson Da Silva and Stoichkov, all in the second half.
• JDT are unbeaten in the ACLE with seven points from three games (one draw, two wins).
• They play Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Jeonju on Tuesday 3 November.
• Bergson Da Silva went off injured after scoring; no return date has been given.
• JDT also lead the Liga Super with six wins from six matches.

FAQ

Q: When do JDT play Jeonbuk in the AFC Champions League Elite? A: On Tuesday 3 November at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium in South Korea. The match is on Tuesday evening, Malaysia time.

Q: Who scored for JDT against Port FC? A: Jonathan Silva, Bergson Da Silva and Juan Diego Molina Martinez (Stoichkov) scored in the 3-0 win.

Q: Is Bergson Da Silva injured? A: He was substituted after scoring against Port with a problem he picked up before his goal. JDT have not given a recovery timeline.

Sources: Bernama, The Star, AFC, Newswav, Stadium Astro, Kosmo, FotMob