Buriram United, a club from Thailand tied with Vissel Kobe scoring 0-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage, East zone at Buriram Stadium, Buriram.
Buriram’s Dion Cools came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute after Malaysia’s international defender found himself with the ball inside Kobe’s penalty area following a poor clearance by Yuki Honda. However, Kobe goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa reacted swiftly, making a crucial save with his feet to deny Cools.
Minutes later, Vissel Kobe’s Yosuke Ideguchi provided the game’s first moment of brilliance, unleashing a powerful volley that forced Buriram’s Neil Etheridge into a fine save. The Philippines international goalkeeper punched the ball to safety, keeping the score level.
As halftime approached, Maekawa was again called into action. Buriram’s Supachai Jaided pounced on a mistake by Ryo Hatsuse, sending a long-range effort skimming towards the bottom corner. Maekawa, at full stretch, managed to tip the ball wide and maintain the deadlock.
Cools continued to threaten early in the second half, narrowly missing the target with a shot from the right, while substitute Yoshinori Muto injected urgency into Kobe’s attack. The former Newcastle United forward created a key opportunity when he cut the ball back for Daiju Sasaki, whose shot missed the mark.
Muto remained a danger, dribbling past the Buriram defense to fire a powerful shot that Etheridge blocked. Sasaki’s follow-up was dramatically cleared off the line by Australian defender Joshua Good.
As Buriram pressed for a late winner, Good nearly made the difference at the other end, heading over the bar in a late surge. However, referee Muhammad Taqi soon blew the final whistle, confirming the 0-0 draw and a point apiece for both sides.
The result sees both teams earn a point in the first match of the 12-team league phase in the East Zone, where each club will compete in eight matches, aiming for a place in the knockout rounds of the continental competition.
Credit Photo : AFC
