Fresh from a fireworks' celebration after their domestic title christening, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are ready to shift their focus to regional glory and their AFC Cup title defence, starting with a first-leg semifinal against Bengaluru FC on Wednesday.
The Southern Tigers, who have already won the Malaysia Super League, Charity Shield and FA Cup titles in 2016, are chasing an unprecedented fourth trophy this season.
"The league title had a positive impact on the players, who want the winning streak to continue. We will do our best to give the utmost performance in the AFC Cup semifinals, as well as in the final league match next month," said JDT coach Mario Gomez on the club's Southern Tigers Facebook page.
The star-studded millionaires set up a third showdown against the Indian champions after they dismissed Hong Kong's South China 3-2 on aggregate last Tuesday. Bengaluru were also good value in a 1-0 aggregate success over Singapore's Tampines Rovers 24 hours later.
Recent meetings, however, heavily favour the Malaysian giants, who triumphed in both their group games against Bengaluru earlier this year. A Safiq Rahim winner gave JDT a 1-0 away victory in March before Safiq, Safee Sali and Shakir Shaari scored at Larkin Stadium for a 3-0 victory in May.
Those results contributed to a perfect win record to propel JDT as Group H champions, with an unassailable nine-point gap over the Bangalore-based side.
Mario Gomez's men continued to outperform and outscore their opponents, making light work of Philippines' Kaya with a 7-2 bashing in the last 16 before South China became their latest victims.
But Gomez warned of any complacency against the visitors, led by C.K, Vineeth, Sunil Chettri and Eugenesson Lynghdoh. They confidently swept aside Tampines to set up a chance at revenge against JDT.
"Bengaluru have a different playing style compared to last time," said the Argentine boss. "We are, however, proud to reach this stage for the second time in a row."
Gomez is likely to restore Safiq, Aidil Zafuan, S.Kunanlan, Azamuddin Akil, Azniee Taib and Singapore midfielder Hariss Harun to the starting line-up after they were rested in the 5-1 triumph over T-Team on Saturday.
Last year, JDT were humbled 3-1 in the first-leg semifinals of the competition by Kuwait's Qadsia SC. But they became the first Malaysian and ASEAN side to qualify for the final after Qadsia and Kuwait SC were disqualified, following FIFA's suspension of the Kuwait FA.
They went on to win the final against Tajikistan's FC Istiklol 1-0 in Dushanbe on Oct. 31.