PETALING JAYA: South-East Asian bragging rights and a winning start to the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite are on the line when Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) face Buriram United today, with winger Jairo Da Silva insisting the Malaysian champions are ready for the fight.
The clash revives a rivalry that saw the Thai giants unbeaten in three meetings last season, including a round of 16 win that ended JDT’s continental run.
Buriram went on to sweep a domestic quadruple, setting the stage for another fierce showdown between regional heavyweights.
“It is a big game, and we know that,” said Da Silva at yesterday’s pre-match press conference in Buriram.
“We will play better, we will give 150% – no, from today we start giving 300%.”
Coach Xisco Munoz struck a similar tone of determination, emphasising both the scale of the challenge and the hunger within his squad.
“We know it will be tough, but we are ready. The team have been working very well these last few weeks.
“It’s important for us, and we will give our best.”
With only 24 slots available from a 34-man squad, Munoz admitted tough choices had to be made.
“I’m sorry for the players left in Johor because I know how hard they are working every day.”
The Southern Tigers will look to Arif Aiman Hanapi, who scored five times in last year’s campaign, but Munoz underlined that success will depend on collective fight and spirit.
Buriram, buoyed by domestic dominance and an unbeaten streak against JDT, will be favourites.
But for the Malaysian champions, today is about proving lessons have been learned from last year’s heartbreak – and starting their new journey with strength and purpose.
