JDT run riot with 9-0 demolition of Kelantan Red Warrior in Malaysian Super League

Johor Darul Ta'zim FC produced a stunning attacking masterclass on 26 August 2026, thrashing Kelantan Red Warrior 9-0 at home in the Malaysian Super League. The result underscored the Southern Tigers' overwhelming dominance in Malaysian football and served as a brutal reminder of the gap between the league's pacesetters and its bottom-ranked side.

From the first whistle at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, JDT pressed high and moved the ball with remarkable speed. Kelantan Red Warrior, reduced to a defensive shell, struggled to escape their own half as the home side carved them open with a combination of slick short passing and dangerous wide play. By the interval, the match was already beyond doubt, but JDT showed no mercy after the break.

Key moments in a one-sided contest

• 8th minute: JDT opened the scoring from a corner, with Brazilian striker Bergson rising highest to power a header into the top corner.
• 23rd minute: A flowing team move ended with Arif Aiman cutting inside and curling a shot past the exposed Kelantan goalkeeper.
• 38th minute: A second set-piece goal, this time a free-kick headed in by a centre-back, made it 3-0.
• 44th minute: Bergson tapped in after a rebound from a penalty save just before half-time.
• 45+2 minute: A slick counter-attack saw the fifth goal hammered home from close range.
• 58th minute: Bergson completed his hat-trick with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
• 67th minute: A penalty was converted to push the score to 7-0.
• 74th minute: A long-range effort rifled into the bottom corner made it eight.
• 82nd minute: The ninth goal sealed the biggest win of the season so far.

Tactical story: relentless pressure and wide play

JDT controlled the match with a 4-3-3 formation that shifted fluidly in attack. The full-backs pushed high to create overloads on the flanks, while the midfield trio dominated possession and recycled the ball quickly. Kelantan Red Warrior attempted to sit deep in a low block, but they were repeatedly pulled out of shape by JDT's constant movement. The visitors had no answer to the home side's pressing game, and their rare forays forward were quickly snuffed out by an unbothered JDT defence.

The clean sheet was just as significant as the nine goals. Goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi was rarely tested, but his composed distribution helped JDT restart attacks instantly. The defensive line, marshalled by captain Jordi Amat, kept a disciplined high line that denied Kelantan any hope of a consolation goal.

Standout performers

Bergson was the undeniable star, finishing with four goals and causing havoc all night. Arif Aiman was equally influential, providing three assists and constantly drifting into dangerous pockets of space. Malaysian international Safawi Rasid also impressed on the right wing, combining direct running with intelligent final passes. In midfield, the likes of Juan Muñiz and Oscar Arribas controlled the tempo and dictated every phase of play.

Malaysian Super League impact

The emphatic win kept JDT firmly at the top of the Malaysian Super League standings and extended their unbeaten run. With a goal difference that continues to swell, they look increasingly unstoppable in their pursuit of yet another domestic title. For Kelantan Red Warrior, the heavy defeat served as a sobering reminder of the work required to climb away from the relegation zone. They remain winless at the foot of the table and will need a major turnaround to preserve their top-flight status.

The 9-0 scoreline will be remembered as one of the most one-sided results in recent Malaysian Super League history — and it will send a clear message to the rest of the league that Johor Darul Ta'zim are not just winning; they are dominating with devastating style.