PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) stretched their remarkable unbeaten run in the Super League to 106 matches, but not without a stern test from Melaka.
The Southern Tigers, who have already secured a record 12th consecutive league title, won 2-1 victory at Hang Jebat Stadium on Tuesday.
The win against the 11th ranked side did not come easy as JDT were pushed harder than expected, much to the concern of coach Xisco Munoz.
“We didn’t play to our usual standards or maintain our typical style,” said the Spaniard.
“Normally, we dominate in terms of shots and create clear chances while remaining aggressive in defence. Against Melaka, our numbers were average. I expect more from this team, but we have to move on quickly.”
JDT struck twice in quick succession before half-time to take control of the match.
Spanish midfielder Ager Aketxe opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, finishing clinically with his left foot after being set up by Syahmi Safari.
Moments later, Brazilian winger Marcus Guilherme doubled the lead, meeting a pinpoint long pass from Natxo Insa with a composed volley past Melaka goalkeeper Samuel Somerville.
Melaka, however, refused to go quietly and pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Bosnian midfielder Dino Kalesic, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by South Korean winger Park Kwang-il.
Said Melaka coach E. Elavarasan: “I thought we managed the game well in the first half, but conceding two quick goals changed everything. The players lost their rhythm.”
