Sky Blues on verge of semi-final berth
Goal-scoring hero Patryk Klimala has stressed Sydney FC still has a 'lot to do' despite taking a significant step towards an AFC Champions League Two semi-final berth with a 2-0 away win over South Korean club Jeonbuk.
Polish marksman Klimala netted both of Sydney's goals in Thursday night's quarter-final first-leg clash at Yongin Mireu Stadium.
The teams will meet again in next Thursday's second leg at Allianz Stadium.
'I was delighted to help the team with two goals but we have a lot to do yet,' Klimala said. 'We have one game left, and it's not done yet.
'Our confidence is still the same as (it was) before this game. We just need to go back, reset and prepare for the second leg.'
Two fine finishes giving us a two goal lead into the second leg ✌️#WeAreSydney | #ACLTwopic.twitter.com/WbhHTz44Sn
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) March 6, 2025
Klimala, who scored in each half, was pleased with the success of Sydney's pressing tactics.
'Even when we scored we didn't go back. We still pressed and that was the reason Jeonbuk couldn't play through us,' he said.
Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay said his side 'capitalised on a very good moment'.
'Playing against a strong side, I thought we performed well,' Talay said.
'We were good with the ball and, at times, very solid defensively.
'It wasn't an easy game. Playing away against a team like Jeonbuk is always tough, so to come away with a 2-0 win, I'm very pleased with the performance of the players.'
The Sky Blues don't have an A-League game this weekend, allowing them to focus on their preparations for the visit of Jeonbuk, who are coached by former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet.
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