Jeonbuk 2-0 JDT: Bruno Mota and Italo End Johor Darul Ta'zim's Unbeaten ACL Elite Run in Jeonju

Johor Darul Ta'zim's unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League Elite is over. The Malaysian champions lost 2-0 to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Tuesday, 3 November, with both goals arriving in the first half. Despite dominating the ball and outshooting the hosts two to one, Xisco Munoz's side could not find a way back, and Jeonbuk drew level with them on seven points in the East region.

Two first-half blows

JDT started brightly and had the first big chance in the fourth minute, when Marcos Guilherme shot straight at Jeonbuk goalkeeper Song Bum-keun.

The hosts went ahead against the run of play midway through the half. Kim Jin-gyu delivered a cross from the left and Bruno Mota headed in, in the 21st minute according to The Star (other reports gave the 22nd).

Jeonbuk doubled the lead right on half-time. JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi brought down Lee Dong-jun inside the box, and Italo stepped up to send Syihan the wrong way from the penalty spot.

JDT dominate but cannot score

The numbers underline how frustrating the night was for the Southern Tigers. According to statistics reported by Makan Bola, JDT had 57% possession and 22 shots to Jeonbuk's 11, with six on target against the hosts' two.

Song was the difference, making several saves, including from Mendez and Oscar Arribas. Arribas also hit the crossbar early in the second half.

Munoz turned to his bench at the break, bringing on Joao Figueiredo for Jonathan Silva, and later sent on Jon Irazabal for Antonio Glauder in the 86th minute. The pair, along with Hector Hevel, had only just returned from 12-month FIFA suspensions that ended on 1 November. Before the match Munoz had said the trio would not be rushed back, noting that "they have not played for a long time", as reported by Scoop.

The East region table

The defeat was JDT's first in this season's competition. They had opened with a 1-1 home draw against Buriram United, won 2-0 at Pohang Steelers and beat Port FC 3-0 at home on Matchday 3.

After four matches, the East region standings show a crowded mid-table. Vissel Kobe lead with a perfect 12 points, while JDT and Jeonbuk are among six clubs on seven points, along with Kashiwa Reysol, Shanghai Port, Kyoto Sanga and Beijing. Kashima Antlers (nine points) and Gamba Osaka (seven) have a game in hand.

Elsewhere on Matchday 4 in the East, Thai side Ratchaburi lost 3-2 at Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa beat Daejeon Hana Citizen 2-0 and Shanghai Port won 4-2 against Newcastle Jets.

What's next for JDT

There is now a break in the competition. JDT's next ACL Elite match is away to Ratchaburi on Matchday 5 (24-25 November), followed by a home game against Daejeon Hana Citizen on Matchday 6 (1-2 December). The league stage then resumes in February 2027 with a trip to Newcastle Jets and a final home match against Cong An Ha Noi. Each club plays eight league-stage games, with the round of 16 in the East region scheduled for March 2027.

Key takeaways

• Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors beat JDT 2-0 in Jeonju on ACL Elite Matchday 4.
• Bruno Mota headed the opener and Italo scored a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
• JDT had 57% possession and 22 shots but could not beat Song Bum-keun.
• It was JDT's first defeat of the campaign; they remain on seven points.
• Joao Figueiredo and Jon Irazabal returned from FIFA suspensions as substitutes.

FAQ

What was the score between Jeonbuk and JDT? Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors won 2-0 against Johor Darul Ta'zim at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

How many points do JDT have in the ACL Elite? JDT have seven points from four matches (two wins, one draw and one defeat), level with Jeonbuk and four other East region clubs.

When is JDT's next ACL Elite match? JDT play away to Thailand's Ratchaburi on Matchday 5, scheduled for 24-25 November 2026.

Sources: The Star, Infinity Sport, Makan Bola, Scoop, J.League