SYDNEY – Former Brazil international Douglas Costa showed his class as Sydney FC came from behind to beat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 3-2 in their Asian Champions League Two quarter-final, second leg on March 13.

The result at the Sydney Football Stadium saw the Australian side win 5-2 on aggregate as they booked a two-legged semi-final meeting in April with Singapore Premier League leaders Lion City Sailors.

While Jeon Jin-woo scored twice in the first half to help the South Korean side nullify Sydney’s 2-0 cushion from the first leg, Costa then stepped up and had a hand in all three goals as the A-League outfit eliminated Gus Goyet’s side.

The former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger, 34, sparked their comeback with a free-kick in the 59th minute from which skipper Rhyan Grant knocked the ball across the face of goal for Alex Grant to score.

With a no-look pass, Costa found Jordan Courtney-Perkins who set up Patryk Kimala in the 71st minute to make it 2-2 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

In the 82nd minute, Costa converted from the spot after Nana Boateng had upended Adrian Segecic in the area.

Costa, who made his Sydney debut in September 2024, told the club website: “At the start, it was tough to adjust to the shape and intensity of the league, but our staff did a fantastic job in managing my minutes in key games.

“Now, I feel like I’m in the right rhythm. It was a long trip to Asia, but we scored a lot of goals, and that makes us proud. We’re looking forward to the next challenge.”

Sydney coach Ufuk Talay felt it was a game of two halves, adding: “I felt the boys were trying to protect the two-goal lead rather than playing our natural game, pressing high and dictating play.

“At half time, we addressed that and made the necessary adjustments.

“Once we returned to playing our way – dictating the game both with and without the ball – we saw a significant improvement.

“We were braver in possession, which allowed us to capitalise on opportunities.”

The Sailors will host Sydney on April 9, with the away leg on April 16. United Arab Emirates side Sharjah FC will take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun in the other semi-final.

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