Costa’s MASTERCLASS propels Sydney to victory over Jeonbuk | Highlights | AFC Champions League Two
As Douglas Costa made his way towards the sideline, the Allianz Stadium crowd rose to their feet, applauding their Sky Blue superstar.
With just three minutes remaining in Thursday’s showdown against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Costa’s number was called.
The Brazilian star had dramatically transformed Sydney’s second leg in the AFC Asian Champions League Two quarter-finals, playing a pivotal role in the team’s first two goals during a remarkable comeback before sealing the victory from the penalty spot.
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Using trickery, strength, finesse, creativity, and precision, Costa showcased his impressive skills throughout an outstanding performance that highlighted why Sydney FC sought the former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger as their marquee signing ahead of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Commentators Simon Hill and Andy Harper aptly captured the moment as Costa headed towards the bench.
“A well-deserved standing ovation for Douglas Costa, and quite right too,” Hill remarked.
“What a second-half display.”
“Make the most of it while you can,” Harper chimed in. “Patryk Klimala received a significant standing ovation, but Costa’s outshone him!”
Hill added:
“To echo Andy’s sentiments for those tuning in across Australia: get out and see Douglas Costa while you still have the chance. He’s an extraordinary player.”
Costa turned the tide of the match in an electrifying 23 minutes after halftime on Thursday.
Trails 2-0 on the night and level at 2-2 overall, Costa had largely remained out of view before his free-kick in the 59th minute found Rhyan Grant’s run at the back post, which led to Sydney regaining the lead with Alex Grant’s first-ever goal for the club.
Patryk Klimala then confirmed the result with Sydney’s second goal in the 71st minute, and while the Polish forward exhibited a touch of brilliance in his finish, it was impossible to overlook Costa’s contribution in the lead-up to the goal.
The crowning moment of a brilliant second-half performance arrived when Costa converted a penalty into the bottom-right corner.
His inaugural goal at Allianz Stadium sent the home supporters into raptures as Sydney advanced to the ACL Two semi-finals.
Jeonbuk’s head coach, Gus Poyet, observed as Costa marked his influence on Sydney’s second-half resurgence.
Having made his mark as a player for Chelsea and Tottenham, Poyet has also managed Brighton and Hove Albion, Sunderland, Real Betis, AEK Athens, Shanghai Shenhua, and Greece; throughout his career, he has witnessed his fair share of exceptional talent, and after Thursday’s quarter-final, he was impressed by Costa’s ability to change the game’s dynamics.
Poyet emphasised the unique role players like Costa hold in world football—those who can lull opponents into complacency before taking control of the match.
“When the team is in command of the game, he becomes indispensable,” Poyet noted.
“However, if the team is under constant pressure, then we need to discuss a different aspect of the game.”
“You can clearly see his quality and influence. What stands out is how the team recognises when to utilise him—on free-kicks, set pieces, or when he has the ball. They know his movements and use them effectively.”
“I think the team understands him very well and ensures he is in the best position to succeed. While they might not be thinking the same during defensive phases, it’s refreshing.”
“It’s a boon for football to have players like him and to see him participating as much as he does.”
Costa and Sydney FC will next face Wellington Phoenix at home in the Isuzu UTE A-League this weekend, on Saturday, March 15.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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