Written by Cheng Shan: On December 9th evening Beijing time, Shanghai Port will travel to Malaysia to challenge Johor DT in the 6th round of the AFC Champions League Elite East Asia Zone. For Shanghai Port, currently mired in public criticism, this final match of 2025 holds special significance — although their chances to advance to the knockout stage are only theoretical, a victory on the road would not only end a cross-season 10-match winless streak in the AFC Champions League but also allow them to close the 2025 continental campaign on a relatively respectable note amid the media storm.

Guangtai Jiang’s participation remains uncertain

On the morning of December 5th, Shanghai Port held their last home training session of the season at the SAIC Pudong Football Stadium, with the entire squad present preparing for the match against Johor DT. Head coach Muscat emphasized the importance of focus on the road: “We must maintain high concentration and aim for a positive result away.” His comments also conveyed the team’s determination to fight for victory.

According to plans, the team departed on the morning of December 6th, first flying to Singapore before transferring to Johor Bahru, their destination. Although the travel itinerary isn’t overly complicated, the journey will still take a toll on the players’ stamina, while Johor DT enjoys home advantage without the strain of travel. Notably, this match marks the end of Shanghai Port’s 2025 season before the squad officially enters the off-season, making every player eager to finish the controversial year with a win.

Injuries remain a persistent obstacle in Shanghai Port’s AFC campaign, and the squad is still incomplete for the trip to Johor DT. It is reported that key center-back Guangtai Jiang is nursing a minor injury; although he has resumed training with the team, his ability to play is uncertain and his recovery status will directly affect the defensive lineup. In the previous match against Seoul FC, Jiang, Leonardo, and Gabriel were all sidelined by injuries, forcing the team to compete with a weakened squad and suffer a 1-3 defeat. Facing Johor DT’s potent attack, Shanghai Port’s defense will face a stern test.

Opponent has already beaten two Chinese Super League teams

The standings make Shanghai Port’s away trip even tougher. After five rounds in the East Asia Zone of the AFC Champions League, Shanghai Port sits at the bottom with 1 point from 1 draw and 4 losses, scoring 2 goals and conceding 11, ranking last in both offense and defense, with slim hopes of advancing. Another loss here would officially eliminate them from the knockout stage two rounds early. In contrast, Johor DT currently holds 7 points with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, sitting 7th near the qualification zone. With home advantage, they naturally aim to secure all three points to strengthen their position. It’s worth noting Johor DT’s recent form is extremely strong, having won 10 consecutive matches domestically, and in the AFC Champions League, they recently defeated a full-strength Shanghai Shenhua 3-1 at home, demonstrating dominant home performance with 58% possession and 15 shots to Shenhua’s 8, showing complete control both offensively and defensively.

Historical and recent head-to-head records also place Shanghai Port at a psychological disadvantage. Last season in the AFC Champions League, Shanghai Port drew 2-2 at home against Johor DT but failed to secure a win. This season, Johor DT has defeated two Chinese Super League teams—Chengdu Rongcheng and Shanghai Shenhua—and in the past two seasons, they have achieved 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss against CSL teams, with the only defeat coming last year to Shandong Taishan.

If they fail to win again, public pressure will intensify

As a three-time consecutive Chinese Super League champion, Shanghai Port’s domestic dominance is unquestioned, but they have consistently struggled to find form in the AFC Champions League, becoming a focal point of criticism. From high ambitions at the season’s start to a difficult finish, their continental journey has been full of regrets. A cross-season 10-match winless streak (2 draws, 8 losses) in the AFC Champions League has placed enormous pressure on the team, with their last victory dating back to November 26, 2024. This away match against Johor DT is not only the final game of 2025 but also a battle to restore pride. A win would break the winless cycle and temporarily silence doubts, while another loss risks entering the off-season labeled as underperformers, further escalating media scrutiny.

The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor Bahru on December 9th will become the ultimate test of Shanghai Port’s fighting spirit. On one side stands Johor DT, enjoying all the advantages and aiming to secure points to advance; on the other is Shanghai Port, fighting for survival and redemption. From preparations, coach Muscat is ready to face challenges, but whether tactical adjustments will be made remains to be seen, especially since the previously favored high-press style has revealed defensive vulnerabilities in the AFC Champions League.