Buriram United reached the Quarter-Finals for 2 years in a row after defeating Melbourne City FC 4–2 on penalties after ended 0–0 after 120 minutes, in the Round of 16 second-leg encounter of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 at Buriram Stadium, Buriram.
This match follows a 1–1 draw in the first leg last week in Australia.
Both sides began the match aggressively, with early chances arriving within the opening 15 minutes.
Nathaniel Atkinson fired over the crossbar for Melbourne City while Buriram winger Kingsley Schindler also failed to hit the target as both teams attempted to assert control.
Melbourne goalkeeper Patrick Beach was called into action in the 17th minute, punching away a dangerous delivery before Goran Causic could head towards goal, while Peter Zulj sent the rebound over the bar.
The hosts suffered a major setback in the 21st minute when Robert Zulj was sent off for violent conduct following a challenge on Harrison Shillington.
Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the match, Buriram showed impressive resilience.
Melbourne City struggled to capitalise on their numerical advantage, with Daniel Arzani coming closest to breaking the deadlock when he forced a sharp save from Etheridge in the 31st minute.
Buriram demonstrated their attacking intent early in the second half when Guilherme Bissoli tested Beach with a powerful effort.
At the other end, Marcus Younis nearly produced a moment of brilliance with an overhead kick that flew narrowly wide of the right post.
Melbourne thought they had finally taken the lead in the 74th minute when Atkinson found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
As the match entered its closing stages, Etheridge produced a series of crucial saves to keep Buriram alive.
The Philippines international denied substitute Max Caputo late in regulation time before making further stops in extra time against Younis and Elbasan Rashani.
Tensions rose further when Melbourne defender German Ferreyra received a red card in the 119th minute following an altercation with Ruben Sanchez, leaving both sides with 10 players before the tie moved to penalties.
In the decisive shootout, Etheridge once again proved decisive. The experienced goalkeeper guessed correctly to deny spot-kicks from Ryan Teague and Aziz Behich, putting Buriram firmly in control.
The winning penalty was eventually converted by Kenneth Dougall, sealing a 4–2 shootout victory and sparking celebrations inside Buriram Stadium.
Credit Photo : AFC
