Ready to explore a stadium where victories echo into financial windfalls? This is the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. It is a place where Johor Darul Ta’zim aka JDT secured a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16.
The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium witnessed an emphatic 5-2 victory over Pohang Steelers. JDT’s triumph wasn’t just a sporting achievement. It was a financial boon. The Southern Tigers pocketed RM444000 for the win. This added to the RM889000 they received for advancing to the knockout stage. JDT accumulated a staggering RM6.2 million in prize money throughout this AFC Champions League Elite campaign.
At the start of the tournament JDT had already secured RM3.5 million. This was just for qualifying for the group stage. Each victory at this level rewarded them with RM444000. This led to a total of RM1.7 million from their four group-stage wins. These wins were against Shanghai Shenhua Ulsan HD Central Coast Mariners and Pohang Steelers.
But the financial benefits didn’t stop there. JDT benefited from a RM222000 travel subsidy. This subsidy was provided by the Asian Football Confederation AFC. This further boosted their financial standing.
The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium celebrated a spectacular night. Five JDT players found the net. Oscar Arribas Bergson Da Silva Arif Aiman Hanapi Jese Rodriguez and Jorge Obregon each scored. They sealed the victory in a resounding fashion. Pohang Steelers managed to pull two goals back through Lee Ho-jae and Hyeon Je-kang.
For JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio the victory over the South Korean side didn’t come easily. Meticulous planning was crucial. It ensured their success and secured their spot in the next round. He said every player delivered an outstanding performance. They executed tactical plans to perfection. Facing a Korean club was no easy task. Breaking through their defensive line proved a real challenge. Even after conceding an early goal he told the players to remain composed. He wanted them to stick to their game plan. Every pass was executed with precision. Their equaliser came when the Pohang Steelers defence momentarily lost focus.
In the first half Pohang Steelers tried to break their defensive structure. They attacked with five players while keeping only three or four at the back. That made it difficult for them to implement high pressing.
JDT finished fourth in Group A with 14 points. They were behind three Japanese clubs Kawasaki Frontale Yokohama F. Marinos and Vissel Kobe. Gwangju FC Buriram United Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Taishan also advanced from the group. As they prepare to face Gwangju FC in the round of 16 JDT stand to gain even more if they continue their winning run. A quarter-final berth would see them earn an additional RM1.7 million. Reaching the semi-finals would bring in another RM2.6 million. Should they go all the way the champions will take home a massive RM44 million. The runners-up will be awarded RM17 million. It is one of the most lucrative competitions in Asian club football.
This is the second time JDT have reached the knockout stage. They previously qualified in 2022. However their campaign ended with a heavy 5-0 defeat to Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
Based on current form JDT were the clear favourites. They were to down South Korean club Pohang Steelers in their final league match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. The Southern Tigers were riding high after a 2-1 victory over Australian side Central Coast Mariners. They had a dominant run in domestic competitions. They won all five games they played this year.
Matthew Davies insisted the team were aiming for nothing less than a victory. He pointed out JDT’s strong record against South Korean teams at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The team had confidence and believed that they could get a good result against Pohang. Over the years they have proven that they have a strong record against Korean teams at the stadium.
The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is more than just a venue. It’s a symbol of ambition teamwork and financial reward in the world of Asian football.