ACL Elite: Late Abreu Header Gives Beijing Win Over Buriram United

Buriram United missed out on their first win of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) season after a late goal gave Chinese visitors Beijing Guoan a 1-0 victory in the second round of the league stage.

Substitute Fabio Abreu was the match-winner in the 79th minute, heading in from close range to beat Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. It was Buriram's first defeat in the competition this season, and it came at home.

Buriram, set the pace in the opening 45 minutes. They kept hold of the ball and pushed forward in search of an early lead, but Beijing's defence stood firm and the first half ended 0-0.

Buriram had the better openings, and match reports note that Beijing goalkeeper Hou Sen had to make a key save in the 30th minute from a Toni Moya cross. Neither side could produce a clear breakthrough, though.

The second half was just as even. Supachai Jaided hit the post for Buriram in the 49th minute, and the game stayed tight until Beijing made three changes in the 60th minute, introducing Lin Liangming, Abreu and Sai Erjini'ao.

The move worked. With 11 minutes left, Abreu got in front of the Buriram defence to head the visitors into the lead.

Buriram pushed hard for an equaliser through the remaining time and into stoppage time. However, they could not break down the Beijing defence, and the visitors held on for three points.

The scoreline flattered Beijing. According to match data, Buriram had 14 shots, three of them on target, compared with five shots and none on target for Beijing. Hou Sen was named man of the match.

Buriram have one point from two matches and sit 10th in the league-stage table. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim, and the defeat at home leaves them with work to do.

Beijing, who beat Pohang Steelers 3-1 in their first match, have won both games and climb to third with a perfect six points.

Credit Photo : AFC