Buriram United, a club from Thailand secured their second victory after beating Pohang Steelers, a club from Korea Republic scoring 1-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage, East Zone at Buriram Stadium, Buriram.
The home side threatened early, nearly opening the scoring in the seventh minute when Bissoli’s well-timed header set up Supachai Chaided for a promising run into the box, only for Pohang’s goalkeeper, Hwang In-jae, to quickly close down the opportunity.
Pohang, the three-time AFC Champions League winners, responded with a flurry of chances. In the 13th minute, Hong Yun-sang and Baek Sung-dong both failed to convert efforts inside the penalty area, and moments later, Jorge Teixeira mistimed a header, sending the ball over Buriram’s crossbar.
Pohang’s best chance of the first half came in the 33rd minute when Baek Sung-dong split the Buriram defense with a well-placed through ball to Hong, but Buriram’s keeper, Neil Etheridge, produced a timely intervention to keep the visitors at bay.
Despite Pohang’s increasing pressure, Buriram began the second half with renewed determination. In the 56th minute, their efforts paid off as Bissoli found the back of the net, tapping in Sasalak Haiprakhon’s cross from close range to give the hosts the decisive lead.
Pohang came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 61st minute when Wanderson’s curling free-kick narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Moments later, Lee Tae-seok’s long-range strike also failed to find the target, while an 80th-minute header from Oberdan rattled the crossbar, signaling Pohang’s growing desperation.
Despite Pohang’s relentless push for an equalizer, Buriram held firm in defense, weathering the storm to secure the vital three points. With this win, Buriram moves confidently forward, while Pohang Steelers will be left to regroup and attempt to revive their campaign in upcoming fixtures.
Buriram United will next travel to Yokohama for their clash on 6 November, while Pohang will face a crucial encounter against China PR’s Shandong Taishan in a bid to reignite their chances in the tournament.
Credit Photo : AFC
