“It’s a top feeling tonight to do it as a winner - it was a very special moment for me and also for the team,” said Caputo. “We knew coming into this game we had zero points and were playing at home, so it was a special feeling for me and for everyone in the team.

“To pick up our first three points tonight in front of the fans - it’s a great feeling for the club, and we’ll take this confidence into the next game.”

Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar was full of praise for his side’s resilience despite falling behind late in the game.

“I thought we fully deserved the win,” said Vidmar. “I know the goals came quite late, but we had put ourselves in a bit of a precarious position before that, even though they weren’t creating much going forward.

“We dealt with their attacking movements quite well, so it was a little disappointing to concede. But honestly, the spirit the players showed was outstanding. They really wanted to win, and I’m absolutely delighted for all of them tonight.”

Buriram United head coach Mark Jackson, while disappointed with the result, found positives in his team’s performance.

“We expected to come into the game strongly. We were involved for long periods and had a strategy and game plan that was working,” said Jackson.

“We came very close to succeeding, but perhaps we didn’t maintain the momentum from those key moments. In the end, that’s what cost us. Of course, the result is disappointing, but for me, the players gave everything. We know we need to manage the momentum better next time.”