Tuesday’s AFC Champions League action saw two Southeast Asian heavyweights go head-to-head, as BG Pathum United of Thailand host Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani.
The match started off with a huge bang as early as the 2nd minute after JDT defender Shane Lowry had fouled BGPU’s Danilo Alves within the area. Victor Cardozo thumped in the opening goal for the Glass Rabbits from the resulting penalty and despite JDT goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi managed to get a hand on the Brazilian’s penalty, he was unable to stop the powerful shot from going into his goal.
However, three minutes later JDT managed to drew level. Jordi Amat managed to pump the ball upfield towards Arif Aiman, who controlled the ball with his first touch before slamming home past BGPU goalie Chatchai Budprom for the equalizer with his second touch.
The Southern Tigers then took the lead in the 14th minute. Heberty managed to push himself into the BGPU defense before slipping the ball towards Bergson, with the prolific Brazilian striker slipping the ball into the back of Chatchai’s net.
In the 25th minute, Arif had an opportunity to increase JDT’s lead when he received a superb through ball from Afiq Fazail. However, Chatchai rose to the occasion and skillfully diverted the winger’s shot wide.
BGPU regained momentum, with Phitiwat Sookjitthammakul prompting Syihan to make a low save, followed by Chanathip Songkrasin’s long-range shot that missed the mark 10 minutes before half-time.
The Glass Rabbits took the initiative once the second half kicks-off, and striker Teerasil Dangda made his first attempt at goal. He cut in from the right and sent a powerful left-footed shot just wide of the mark from just outside the area.
In the 53rd minute, JDT extended their lead when Bergson executed an impressive one-two with Heberty. When the Brazilian’s shot was blocked by Chatchai, Juan Muniz was there to seize the rebound and put it into the back of the net.
The intense action continued, and BGPU quickly responded, with Cardozo heading in Chanathip’s cross from the right, taking the score to 3-2.
Bergson had a chance to extend the lead once again as he sprinted towards Afiq’s pass down the left side. Unfortunately, his low shot hit the inside of the left post.
Heberty managed to elude the BGPU defense and set up Bergson, but astonishingly, his shot hit the post once again.
The persistent pressure from JDT paid off in the 78th minute when a rapid throw-in from Matthew Davies on the right found Arif. He outpaced the defenders, entered the penalty area, and delivered a powerful, low shot past Chatchai at the near post.
BGPU continued to press forward but couldn’t regain momentum, resulting in their second consecutive loss in this season’s ACL. JDT, on the other hand, clinched their second win from two matches.