Johor bahru: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are prepared to deliver a high-intensity performance when they face Shanghai Shenhua FC in their AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025/26 group match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tomorrow. Head coach Xisco Munoz said his players are ready to raise their tempo and play with aggression as they target a crucial home victory.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Munoz emphasized the necessity for his team to push the intensity and be aggressive in duels, aiming to score and secure the three points. He acknowledged the challenges of away matches in the competition, which makes performing strongly at home even more critical. Munoz reflected on their last game in China as a positive experience in both performance and result, expressing a desire to maintain this winning momentum and intensity.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua head coach Leonid Slutskiy anticipates a tough challenge from the Southern Tigers, commending JDT’s distinctive playing style and solid home record. Slutskiy described JDT as one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the competition, highlighting their technical ability and attacking flair. He compared playing against JDT to watching a Spanish team compete in the Asian Champions League, in contrast to the predictable high tempo and discipline seen in matches against Japanese or Korean teams.

In their previous ACLE encounter last season, JDT defeated Shanghai Shenhua 3-0. However, JDT’s campaign concluded in the Round of 16 after a 0-1 aggregate loss to Buriram United.