PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Xisco Munoz has described their Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite quarter-final clash with holders Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday as ‘’the most important match in the club’s history’’.
And the Spaniard is demanding full focus from the players as they step onto the battleground at the King Abdullah Stadium.
“This is simply the biggest game in the club’s history,” said Munoz.
“In the Champions League, you face tough teams with excellent individual players, solid structures and great pace. These matches demand everything from you.
“It is essentially a final, 90 minutes where you must control the situation. You have to read the game well, create chances, and manage key moments before and after half-time to win.”
Al-Ahli booked their place in the quarter-finals after edging Qatari club Al-Duhail 1-0 at the King Abdullah Stadium on Monday.
They will be the favourites, especially with their star players like English striker Ivan Toney, Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian centreback Roger Ibanez, Turkish centreback Merih Demiral, Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Ivorian midfielder Frank Kessie set to feature in the match.
But despite being the underdogs, Munoz insisted his side will not shy away from aiming high.
“Our mentality is that we are going there to win the Champions League. We know the level of competition, but we will give 100 per cent.”
Munoz expressed pride in JDT’s rise to Asia’s elite level, crediting long-term vision and commitment for their success.
“It comes down to passion, consistency and a ‘no excuses’ culture. It is about constant improvement, season after season.
“Usually, when people achieve success, they relax. At JDT, we are lucky because we never relax – we always want more.
“Ten years ago, would you have believed that JDT would be among the top eight teams in the Champions League?
“Behind this is sacrifice and hard work. I have only been here nine months, but I’m proud of everyone at the club.”
Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation Competitions Committee have recommended some changes to the ACL Elite next season, including an expansion to a 32-team format beginning from the 2026-27 season.
Under the proposed structure, the number of teams in the league stage will be increased from 24 to 32, split evenly between the East and West regions with 16 clubs each.
The move aims to broaden opportunities for top clubs across Asia while raising standards in domestic competitions.
