PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) defensive mistakes proved costly as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors handed the Malaysian champions their first defeat at the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) campaign with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday.
Despite arriving in South Korea unbeaten after three matches, JDT struggled to cope with Jeonbuk’s intensity and attacking threat at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, conceding twice before half-time.
Jeonbuk broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when towering Brazilian striker Bruno Mota rose to head in a cross from winger Kim Jin-gyu.
Brazilian winger Italo Vargas converted a penalty in the 45th minute to extend the misery for the visitors.
JDT head coach Xisco Munoz admitted his team were below their usual standards.
“It wasn’t our best performance. We gave them some gifts and we know we weren’t at our best in the final third,” said the Spaniard.
“In the Champions League, the details matter. We need to learn, understand our opponents better and put in a better, more mature performance in the next game.”
The result halted JDT’s impressive start to the competition, having secured seven points from their opening three matches against Buriram United, Pohang Steelers and Port FC.
For Jeonbuk, the victory marked their second win of the campaign with Mota earning Player of the Match honours after opening the scoring.
Jeonbuk coach Chung Jung-yong was pleased with his team’s defensive discipline but believed they could have extended their advantage.
“Our defenders and goalkeeper worked extremely hard. If I have one regret, it’s that I would have liked our forwards to score more,” he said.
JDT will now look to regroup and address the shortcomings exposed in South Korea as they aim to bounce back in their next continental assignment.
