Tight defence key to success: Atthaphol

After a 2-0 defeat last week to the same team left their hopes of qualification from Group E hanging in the balance, Buriram exacted revenge on the Chinese side courtesy of goals from captain Suchao Nutnum and Charyl Chappuis. 

With Thai champions Muang Thong United on the verge of elimination after suffering their third defeat in four games – a 4-1 loss at home to Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday – Buriram gave their own chances of securing one of two qualification spots a big boost with Wednesday’s win.

Having watched his side edge closer to avoiding their fate last year, when they exited at the group stage, Atthapol praised his team’s rearguard action in securing their first win of the campaign.  

“I have to compliment the players, who played very well. We had good control in defence and didn’t give many chances to our opponents, while also showing excellent teamwork. It proved that we can win if we stay focused.

“I am happy with the victory, but we will not look any further than this as we need to plan our strategy match by match,” said the former Thailand player, whose side lie third in the group with five points from four matches, two points behind frontrunners FC Seoul with two games left.

The Thais’ win came at a price, though, with Swiss-born midfielder Chappuis reportedly facing three months on the sidelines after injuring his knee injury while celebrating his second-half goal.

“It’s disappointing to lose Chappuis. He injured his knee when he ran toward the fans behind the goal after finding the net. It looked a serious one. For Carmelo Gonzalez, we also had to take him off as a precaution measure after he suffered a muscle strain. He should be fine for next game,” said Atthapol, who guided his charges to the league title two years ago.

Buriram next face Japan’s J-League side Vegalta Sendai, tied on five points with them, at home in two weeks’ time before rounding off their campaign with a visit to FC Seoul.