KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) showed they are a team not to mess with in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) by whipping Shanghai Shenhua 3-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today (Oct 1).
Shenhua, who impressed in their 4-1 win over South Korean side Pohang Steelers last month, were given a rude awakening by the Southern Tigers.
JDT, who started their ACLE campaign with a 2-2 draw against Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Port, were a different side at home as they played a crisp game for a comfortable win.
Nippy winger Arif Aiman Hanapi was once again the toast of JDT as he opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a deft left-footed shot to the bottom right corner of the net to claim his third ACLE goal.
The hosts seemed to have doubled their lead in the 24th minute through Oscar Arribas, but the goal was ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
But two minutes later, JDT were not to be denied as Jorge Obregon's close range header from Murilo Henrique's pass gave them a two-goal cushion.
JDT put the match beyond Shenhua after Juan Muniz scored from a free kick in the 80th minute to claim a sensational home win over the Chinese side.
The Super League champions will next travel to South Korea to take on K1 side Gwangju on Oct 22.