JDT MUST BEAT FELLAINI’S TEAM TODAY
Only victory over Shandong will keep their Champions League hope alive
JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) face a must-win situation when they take on China’s Shandong Luneng in today’s AFC Champions League Group E match in Larkin.
The former AFC Cup champions are bottom of the table with one point and anything but a vic tory could see them being eliminated with two matches to spare.
Defending champions Kashima Antlers (Japan) lead with seven points, two more than second-place Shandong while South Korea’s Gyeongnam FC are third with two.
In the first round, JDT put up a gallant performance against the Marouane Fellaini-led Shandong before going down 2-1 on April 9.
The former Manchester United midfielder will be one of many stars on show at Larkin. JDT, however, need to outwit their fancy opponents to stay in contention for a spot in the knockout stages.
“It’s a very important day for us. We have been doing well in terms of performance in the Champions League. Our players have shown they can compete against the best,” said JDT coach Benjamin Mora yesterday.
“We will be playing against one of the best club sides in Asia, but in football anything can happen. If my boys can play to strategy and perform consistently, I don’t see any reason of getting a good result.”
Mora disclosed that centreback Mauricio Nascimento is doubtful following an injury during last weekend’s Super League match against PKNS.
Aidil Zafuan Radzak could be given the break in the heart of defence but JDT could also opt for Singapore international Hariss Harun to fill up the possible void.
“We have to be ready both physically and mentally for this match. We need to draw encouragement from our performances in the last few Champions League games where we not only created opportunities but also scored goals.
“Shandong well-built players play a physical game, so we need to find a way to counter their strengths for a good result,” said Hariss.
Shandong coach Li Xiaopeng said: “JDT are solid in all aspects, but we have studied their game from the first match.
“They keep the ball well and are dangerous in attack. We will play our brand of football and try to get a good result,” said Xiaopeng.
Shandong will depend on former Italian international Graziano Pelle to tear JDT apart. The striker is the competition’s second highest scorer with five goals.
“JDT’s defence is compact. It is not easy to create chances in their half,” said Pelle.