Johor Bahru: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will treat their 2024/2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Thailand’s Buriram United at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tomorrow as if it were a Cup final. JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio even described tomorrow’s round-of-16 return-leg match as the Southern Tigers’ “most important game of the season.”

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tie is evenly poised after JDT held Buriram United to a 0-0 draw in the first-leg match at the Buriram Stadium in Thailand on March 4. Bidoglio emphasized the commitment required from all players, stating the necessity to give 100 percent effort to secure advancement to the quarter-finals in the Champions League.

JDT defender Matthew Davies acknowledged Buriram United’s capabilities but expressed confidence in JDT’s approach and the support from their home fans. He believes playing at home in front of 35,000 supporters will be a significant advantage for the Southern Tigers.

Meanwhile, Buriram United’s midfielder Kenneth Dougall remains unfazed by the prospect of playing at JDT’s home ground. Dougall emphasized that regardless of the venue or crowd size, Buriram United always aims for victory.

The Thai side’s head coach, Osmar Loss Vieira, conveyed optimism about his team’s chances. He noted the familiarity between the two teams and stressed the importance of focus and adherence to their game plan in tomorrow’s match.