Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Guangzhou: Despite a second consecutive AFC Champions League win that puts them as outright leaders of Group F with their 2-1 away victory against Guangzhou R&F on Tuesday, Alexandre Gama insists that he and his Buriram United side are staying grounded and will take each game as it comes.
Striker Gilberto Macena's acrobatic last minute winner gave the Thai champions all three points in southern China after Lu Lin’s opener for their hosts had been cancelled out just before half-time by Ko Seul-ki.
And although Korean FA Cup winners Seongnam FC defeated Gamba Osaka of Japan in the group’s other game on Tuesday, Buriram are now three points clear at the top having beaten the Korean side in Thailand last week.
Match report: Guangzhou R&F 1-2 Buriram United
“Though we won two games and are leading in the group, we have a long way to go. I only care about the next opponent. We have more games to go and my players have to keep the same attitude all the time. It is too early to talk about qualification,” said Gama.
“This game was crucial for the group rankings and it could be decisive for qualification. We came to show who we are and what our football style is and we achieved it.
“Regardless of who our opponent is, I always have faith in my own team, with strong hope that they can show their ability.
“We are not the biggest club in ACL, there are so many strong teams. This is just our fourth ACL journey, and we will do our best to continue it.”
For Guangzhou R&F coach Cosmin Contra, though, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as his side failed to build on the foundation of their 2-0 opening round win against Japanese treble-winners Gamba.
“I am very disappointed at this match. Probably Buriram know better how to play in this game because they are better at organisation and in the midfield,” said Guangzhou coach Contra.
“Though we scored first, we didn't really know our opponent well. Like I said, they are a very dangerous side and we wanted to score more to nail down the match.
“I don't deny that they are physically fitter than us today. Buriram was very fast. They are the better side in this match. I hope we can win the next round, otherwise we won't be able to qualify.
“Personally I really expected a win out of it, so I am very disappointed. I hope we could better at home in the future.”
Photo: WSG