Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Xisco’s stoppage-time winner gave Muangthong United their first-ever AFC Champions League victory after they defeated Japanese champions Kashima Antlers 2-1 in their 2017 AFC Champions League Group E tie at Supachalasai National Stadium on Tuesday.
After a creditable away draw at Brisbane Roar on Matchday One, the Thai champions went ahead on 12 minutes after set-piece specialist Theerathon Bunmathan stroked home a delightful free-kick from 25-yards out. And for the remainder of the half the hosts showed they were good value for their lead and could have gone in at the break further ahead but for some profligate finishing from Mongkol Thoskarai.
The wastefulness was punished almost immediately after the restart; Brazilian Pedro Junior firing past Kawin Thamsatchanan at the second attempt following Leandro’s cross from the right. And it looked like Kashima would complete the comeback when they were awarded a penalty inside the final 10 minutes.
But Yuma Suzuki’s effort from the spot went wide and deep into added time former Newcastle United striker Xisco was in the right place to rifle in at the backpost to secure a maiden AFC Champions League three points at the eighth time of asking.
Photo: Lagardère Sports