Johor Darul Takzim FC vs Kelantan United Match Recap - Dec 20, 2025

Johor Darul Takzim FC Continues Unstoppable March with 4-1 Victory Over Kelantan United

Johor Darul Takzim FC's relentless pursuit of perfection in the Super League reached new heights with a commanding 4-1 victory over Kelantan United, solidifying their position at the top of the table with an unblemished record of 11 wins from 11 matches. This performance showcased their offensive firepower, with Jairo, Teto, Arribas, and Faiz all contributing to the scoreline, while Azih provided a mere consolation for Kelantan.

Johor's recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary, scoring 15 goals in their last three matches alone. The attacking trio of Jairo, Arribas, and Hidalgo has been particularly lethal, combining for multiple goals across competitions. Jairo's consistency is noteworthy; he has now scored in consecutive matches, reinforcing his status as a key player in Johor's title defense. The team's ability to maintain such high levels of performance speaks volumes about their tactical cohesion and depth.

Kelantan United, on the other hand, continues to struggle, now sitting in seventh place with just 11 points from 10 matches. Their recent form has been dismal, with five losses in their last six outings. The defensive frailties that have plagued them throughout the season were once again exposed against Johor, as they conceded four goals and failed to contain the relentless attacking waves. Azih's late goal was a brief flicker of hope, but it did little to mask the underlying issues that have left Kelantan fighting for survival.

The contrast between the two teams' recent performances is stark. Johor's last five matches have seen them score a staggering 15 goals while conceding only two. In contrast, Kelantan has managed just four goals in their last five games, highlighting their struggles in both attack and defense. The disparity in shot efficiency is alarming; Johor's conversion rate remains impressive, while Kelantan's inability to create meaningful chances has left them vulnerable.

Tactical discipline has been a recurring theme for Kelantan, yet they have failed to execute effectively under pressure. Their midfield has struggled to control the game, often leaving their defense exposed against high-pressing opponents like Johor. The absence of a consistent goal-scoring threat has compounded their woes, as they have relied heavily on sporadic contributions from players like Ozor and Deraman. Without a cohesive strategy to counter Johor's attacking prowess, Kelantan risks slipping further down the standings.

Looking ahead, Johor will face Selangor next, where they will aim to extend their winning streak and maintain their dominance in the league. With confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, they appear poised to continue their unbeaten run. Conversely, Kelantan must regroup quickly before their upcoming match against Negeri Sembilan. A failure to secure points could spell disaster for their season, as they desperately seek to avoid relegation.

Reflecting on my earlier predictions, it seems I underestimated Johor's capacity for dominance. They have not only met expectations but exceeded them with each passing match. The gap between these two teams is widening, and unless Kelantan can find a way to shore up their defense and rediscover their attacking rhythm, they will remain mired in mediocrity.

This match serves as a clear indicator of the current state of Malaysian football: Johor Darul Takzim FC is operating at a level that few can match, while Kelantan United must confront harsh realities if they hope to turn their season around. The narrative of this fixture encapsulates the broader themes of triumph and struggle within the league, setting the stage for what lies ahead in this gripping season.