Ratchaburi FC put one foot in the next round with a clinical 3–0 victory over Indonesian giants Persib Bandung in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg at Ratchaburi Stadium, Ratchaburi.
Under the guidance of head coach Worawoot Srimaka, “The Dragons” delivered a masterclass in counter-attacking football at the Ratchaburi Stadium, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
It took only five minutes for the hosts to ignite the home crowd. Capitalizing on a swift transition, Denilson Junior carved open the Persib defense to find Pedro Tana, who made no mistake from close range to hand Ratchaburi a 1–0 lead.
Persib Bandung attempted to claw their way back, with Frans Putros coming close in the 18th minute. A pinpoint cross from Uilliam Barros found Putros in the box, but his header whistled past the post. Despite dominating patches of possession, the “Maung Bandung” squad lacked the finishing touch to beat the organized Ratchaburi backline.
Malaysian international Daniel Ting once again proved why he is a mainstay in Srimaka’s first XI. Tasked with neutralising Persib’s wing play, Ting was a rock in defense and nearly got himself on the scoresheet in the 66th minute, though his header from a Kritsananon Srisuwan cross flew just over the bar.
The Dragons doubled their advantage early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, veteran playmaker Jakkaphan Kaewprom swung in a perfect corner, allowing Gabriel Mutombo to tower over the defense and power home a header for 2–0.
Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam did his best to keep his side in the tie, producing a world-class save in the 65th minute to deny a long-range rocket from Negueba.
However, the pressure finally told in the 84th minute. Another lightning-fast counter-attack saw Gleyson slide a perfect through-ball to Pedro Tana, who remained composed to slot home his second of the night, sealing a comprehensive 3–0 victory.
The second leg moves to the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on February 18.
Credit Photo : RBFC
