Bergson Da Silva in action against Bangkok United. - Photo by JOHOR Southern Tigers
PETALING JAYA: Fresh from breaking the Super League’s all-time goalscoring record last week, Bergson Da Silva showcased his brilliance on the regional stage with a masterful display in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup.
The 34-year-old Brazilian hit a hattrick, his second in as many weeks, and added an assist to inspire Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to a commanding 4-0 win over Bangkok United in their Group B clash at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri yesterday.
It marked JDT’s second straight win in their debut Asean campaign, following their 3-1 triumph over Singaporean giants Lion City Sailors on Aug 21.
Da Silva’s previous hattrick came in the Southern Tigers’ 8-0 demolition of Sabah in the Super League last weekend.
“When things happen better than you hope, you just go with the flow and sometimes you let that flow motivate you. I have a lot of targets in football, and scoring is one of them. I’m proud of how we approached the game,” said the Brazilian, who has been with JDT since 2021.
“Individual numbers mean nothing if it does not translate into team results. After the break, we pressed well and made sure to push them to lose the ball, and we are 4-0 victors. Amazing feeling!”
JDT signalled their intent early when Spanish wingback Oscar Arribas cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive that whistled just wide in the 10th minute.
Bangkok thought they had a lifeline six minutes later after centreback Jon Irazabal was penalised for a challenge on Omani striker Muhsen Al-Ghassani, briefly silencing the home crowd.
But following a VAR review, South Korean referee Kim Hee-gon overturned the decision, ruling Irazabal had cleanly won the ball.
The let-off spurred JDT into gear. The hosts dominated possession and had 10 attempts in the first half, with Arif Aiman Hanapi coming closest when his half-volley was denied by goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai in the 20th minute.
The young winger continued to torment Bangkok’s defence, dazzling down the right to create chances, including one for Da Silva in the 31st minute that the Brazilian dragged wide.
JDT’s relentless attacks finally paid off just a minute into the second half. Da Silva latched onto a pass from Arribas and unleashed a thunderous strike from range that left Patiwat with no chance.
Six minutes later, the Brazilian turned provider. Linking up smartly with Hector Hevel, Da Silva slipped the ball to Joao Figueiredo, who coolly netted his third goal of the competition in just two games.
JDT’s third arrived in the 73rd minute when Arif’s shot was spilt by Patiwat, allowing Da Silva to pounce for his second of the night. The veteran striker then capped a memorable performance in stoppage time, sliding home Jairo Da Silva’s low cross to complete his hattrick.
