JDT coach Xisco Munoz praised his team’s fighting spirit after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vissel Kobe secured their place in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16.

JOHOR Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Munoz was full of pride after his side’s gritty 1-0 victory over Japan’s Vissel Kobe in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Describing it as “an amazing night”, Munoz said the win was another significant step forward for the club.

He highlighted the squad’s steady development and strong mentality as key factors in the crucial result.

“The stadium was magical, incredible, and they (the fans) helped us in all moments,” Munoz said at the post-match press conference.

“I’m proud of the players because they gave everything they had.”

Munoz also expressed delight at keeping a clean sheet against the Japanese side.

He praised his team’s resilience despite having two goals disallowed for offside during the match.

Nene saw a 39th-minute effort chalked off before Marcos Guilherme suffered the same fate in the 55th minute.

Munoz singled out Guilherme for his sharpness in eventually netting the decisive winning goal.

The coach added that finishing top of their group gives JDT a valuable advantage heading into the knockout stage.

He cited the confidence gained from strong performances both at home and on the road as a major boost.

“It doesn’t matter who we face,” Munoz stated regarding the next round.

“When teams reach the next round, it’s because they are strong.”

Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe conceded that JDT deserved their victory and progression.

“I’m not happy with the result, of course, but I’m satisfied with what we have done on the pitch,” Skibbe said.

He attributed the loss to his decision to rest several key players for the match.

 The Sun Malaysia