Over the moon: JDT’s Alvaro Gonzalez (left) celebrating after scoring against Central Coast Mariners of Australia. — Johor Southern Tigers
PETALING JAYA: Spanish defender Alvaro Gonzalez made a sensational debut for Johor Darul Tazim (JDT), scoring twice in the second half to give the Malaysian team a much-needed boost to their hopes of earning a place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).
The 2-1 win over 10-man Central Coast Mariners of Australia in Gosford yesterday was also the first away win for JDT in ACLE.
Gonzalez, a former teammate of footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo, netted in the 64th and 79th minutes to earn victory for JDT after Mariners goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen had been sent off in first half injury time and Alou Kuol cancelled out Gonzalez’s opener.
Victory moved JDT onto 11 points from seven matches and the Malaysia Super League to-be crowned champions could secure a place in the last 16 depending on results elsewhere during the current round of fixtures.
However, JDT did not have things easy going for them as they endured a frustrating scoreless first half.
But JDT burst into life in the second half as striker Bergson Da Silva had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Peraic-Cullen was then sent off and with the extra player, JDT were in the ascendancy with several direct attempts.
Mariners’ resistance was broken in the 64th minute when Natxo Insa fed Arif Aiman Hanapi down the right, whose pass found an unmarked Gonzalez who then steered his low shot past Pavlesic.
However, the Australian side pulled level within five minutes. Mikael Doka delivered a free-kick deep into the JDT penalty area and, after Brian Kaltak headed back across goal, Kuol pounced.
JDT deservedly reclaimed the lead in the 79th minute with Gonzalez on target again.
He cleverly flicked Heberty Ferndandes’ centre across the line with a looping header via the inside of the post to seal the points.
Gonzalez was brought in recently to boost JDT’s campaign in ACLE.
JDT will take on South Korea’s Pohang Steelers in Iskandar Puteri on Feb 18.
The top eight teams in each group will qualify for the second round.
