Douglas Costa believes Sydney FC can achieve “big things” this season after the Sky Blues reached the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
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Sydney reached the quarter-finals of Champions League competition for the first time in their history after condemning Thailand’s Bangkok to their first home defeat in 31 games and almost two years, such is the magnitude of the Sky Blues’ achievement on the road in Asia.
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“I’m really happy. I’m really proud of my teammates,” former Bayern Munich, Juventus and Brazil superstar Costa said after scoring in the 10th minute of extra time midweek.
“It’s hard to play here, the conditions are not the same as we play in Sydney.
“Congratulations to everyone because it’s a really good job here.”
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Sydney entered the return leg following a 2-2 draw at Allianz Stadium, where super-sub Adrian Segecic came off the bench to rescue the Sky Blues last week.
The Isuzu UTE A-League outfit made the perfect start when Joe Lolley broke the deadlock in the second minute and Englishman had another goal ruled out for offside six minutes later.
Bangkok then scored two unanswered goals to take control before a red card tipped the scales in Sydney’s favour, with Segecic stepping up in the 88th minute to restore parity.
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His 12th goal of the season forced extra time and paved the way for star teammate Costa to make himself a hero after a last-gasp Sydney penalty in normal time was overturned by VAR.
“I really believe in my teammates,” Costa said in the absence of Anas Ouahim and Patryk Klimala. “We showed up today.
“If all the players like get fit like Anas and Klimala as well, if all the players are fit, we can do big things season.”
