Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Seoul: Buriram United became the first Thai team in a decade to reach the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League as a dramatic 2-2 draw with FC Seoul secured Attaphol Buspakom’s side a place in the Round of 16.
Buriram emulated the achievement of BEC Tero Sasana – also coached by Attaphol – in 2003 when they advanced to the knockout phase of the competition with the Thai FA Cup winners advancing by thanks to a better goal difference over Jiangsu Sainty.
Buriram progress despite a missed penalty in the first half by Carmelo Gonzalez as the Thais twice came from behind to pick up a point to pip the Chinese Super League side and set up a meeting with Group G winners Bunyodkor in the last 16.
“I am very happy tonight,” said Attaphol. “We made it for the first time in our club’s history. It was a tough game. My player did brilliantly to keep their nerves under control.
“We desperately needed just a point. FC Seoul changed their regulars a lot but they were still powerful in both possession and attack. It was a really good game for both teams.
“We were grouped with big names from Korea, Japan and China and the situation has been exactly same as last season's AFC Champions League, but we learned from the previous season and we prepared well thanks to those experiences from last year.”
FC Seoul coach Choi Yong-soo made wholesale changes to his side’s starting line, replacing 10 of the players who featured in their previous game as the K-League champions had already secured top spot in Group E.
But it mattered little as the Korean side dominated the opening exchanges with Lee Sang-hyeob and Ko Kwang-min both finding the time and space to direct headers towards the Thai side’s goal.
Buriram slowly found their rhythm, however, and, with four minutes remaining in the half, Kai Hirano was brought down in the penalty area, only for Gonzalez to see his poorly taken penalty saved by Yu Sang-hun.
Nine minutes after the restart, Buriram were made to pay for that miss as Jung Seung-yong gave FC Seoul the lead when he slotted the ball beyond Siwarak Tedsungnoen after fine work by Ko down the right wing.
But less than two minutes later, Buriram were back on level terms as Gonzalez’s perfectly weighted pass sprung the home side’s offside trap before Hirano laid the ball off to Ekkachai Samre, who poked his effort home.
Despite having little to play for, FC Seoul sought to take the lead again and, in the 74th minute, Kim Hyun-sung put his team back in front when he glanced Mauricio Molina’s free kick past Siwarak.
Buriram reacted almost immediately again, however, and within a minute Attaphol’s side picked up the second goal needed to not only level the scores but to edge ahead of Jiangsu in the standings.
Theerathon Bunmathan’s in-swinging free kick from the right was missed by everyone and, as it came through a gaggle of players, FC Seoul goalkeeper Yu was unsighted and let the ball slip over the line and ultimately earn Buriram a place in the last 16.
“Congratulations to Buriram United,” said Choi. “They showed the quality of Thailand football. I am very glad to see South East Asia has shown what is possible in football.
“As a manager, I asked my guys to win. We're in a very good mood and the team’s morale is at its peak. But I think a draw may be an acceptable result for tonight if you see how bravely Buriram fought back against us.
“In the Round of 16, we have to set ourselves up to be in the sharpest shape. I do not care who's going to be our next opponent but I do care about our preparation.”
Photo: WSG