KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) poor record against J-League clubs in the Asian Champions League (ACL) continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale in their Group I opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday.
Kawasaki striker Marcinho's spectacular overhead kick in the 45th minute proved decisive as the Japanese side secured all three points.
Expectations were high for JDT to break their jinx, with the Southern Tigers in good form after winning the FA Cup in July.
Spearheaded by Arif Aiman Hanapi and Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva, JDT kept the Kawasaki defence on their toes, but they couldn't find the finishing touch.
The Southern Tigers have struggled in ACL opening matches against J-League opponents in the past.
In 2019, they narrowly lost 2-1 to Kashima Antlers, followed by 5-1 and 1-0 defeats to Vissel Kobe and Nagoya Grampus in the 2020 and 2021 editions.
Last year, JDT played to a goalless draw against Kawasaki in their opening match.