Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) quest for a historic quadruple fell short in agonizing fashion as they were eliminated from the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup semi-finals by Buriram United.

Despite securing a 2-1 victory on the night at the Chang Arena, the Southern Tigers were knocked out with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline following a high-octane encounter that stretched into extra time.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, JDT entered the second leg with relentless aggression. Their persistence paid off late in the first half when a VAR review confirmed a foul by goalkeeper Neil Etheridge on Marcos Guilherme. Bergson da Silva stepped up to clinically convert the penalty, cutting the aggregate deficit to 3-2 before the break.

The momentum shifted firmly in JDT’s favor in the 61st minute when Marcos Guilherme found the back of the net with a composed finish, stunning the home crowd and leveling the aggregate at 3-3.

The match eventually headed into extra time after JDT’s goalkeeper, Syihan Hazmi, produced a series of world-class saves to deny Buriram a late winner in regulation time.

However, the turning point arrived in the 98th minute of extra time. Buriram’s Kingsley Schindler unleashed a powerful strike that beat Syihan, restoring the Thai giants’ aggregate lead.

The drama escalated further as Buriram were reduced to nine men following red cards for Guilherme Bissoli (101′) and Goran Causic (114′). Despite the two-man advantage, JDT was unable to find the decisive goal to force a penalty shootout against a resilient Buriram defense.

The result marks JDT’s first victory over Buriram United in six attempts, though it remains a bittersweet triumph as the defending champions advance to face Selangor FC in the final.

For JDT, the focus now returns to domestic dominance after a valiant continental campaign that ended just inches away from the finish line.