Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Buriram: Buriram United picked up their first point of their 2016 AFC Champions League campaign as they ended a run of five consecutive defeats after a 0-0 draw with China’s Shandong Luneng at Buriram Stadium on Wednesday.
The visitors had already secured second place in Group F a fortnight ago after their 1-0 victory over Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima but it was the home side who were on top for much of the match in Thailand albeit unable to break the deadlock.
Midfielder Supachok Sarachart was at the hub of much of the good work created by Buriram but Shandong goalkeeper Han Rongze was equal to the task and was well protected by a determined backline as the Chinese side ensured they go into their first appearance in the Round of 16 since 2005 on a positive note.
“My players fought for 90 minutes although we didn’t play too well which makes me unhappy,” said Buriram coach Alexandre Gama.
“I tell my players every day that we have to play very hard so that we can come back to the AFC Champions League next year and also defend our Thai League championship.
“We are so sorry to our fans for this year but we promise we will be better, be stronger and will come back.”
The hosts kicked-off against a Shandong side that saw nine changes from the starting eleven that defeated Sanfrecce in Matchday Five.
And it was Buriram that controlled the tempo from the start with Supachok coming within inches from giving the Thai Premier League side the lead on 19 minutes as his curling effort from just outside the area caressed the post on its way narrowly wide.
Supachok then turned provider as Sittichok Kannoo headed his right-wing cross just over seven minutes later.
Shandong responded as Zhang Wenzhao’s free-kick was turned goalwards by Zhang Chi only for Yotsapon Teangdar to hurl himself off his goal-line to block the ball on the brink of half-time.
After the interval, clear-cut chances were few and far between but Buriram's second half-substitutes went close to carving out an opener as Ko Seul-ki found fellow replacement Suchao Nutnum inside the penalty box but the midfielder blazed over from an angle inside the area.
Set-piece specialist Theerathon Bunmathan then saw his free-kick kept out by a smart save from Han before the goalkeeper tipped over Sittichok’s header to secure a share of the points for the Chinese Super League side.
“Due to the hot weather it was hard for my players to play well today and Buriram United is a very strong team,” said Shandong assistant coach Sidnei Lobo.
“Buriram have some rising stars, a very good stadium and excellent fans who give their team wonderful support.
“After this game I will talk with the team and see what we can improve upon ahead of the Round of 16.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports