Buriram United unfazed by Esteghlal and crowd

Having become the country’s first side to qualify for the knock-out stage of the event since BEC Tero Sasana reached the final a decade ago, Thai FA Cup winners Buriram face another challenging test in the continent’s elite club competition when they clash with the Iranian giants at their formidable fortress, Azadi Stadium, which can accommodate more than 90,000 spectators.

After overcoming Uzbekistan heavyweights Bunyodkor 2-1 on aggregate in the last-16 round, Buriram president Newin Chidchob said the Iranian side held no fears for his team. Buriram stay on top of the Thai Premier League standings following a 2-0 home win over Chiang Rai United at the weekend.

“Esteghlal have a playing style similar to an East European club as they rely heavily on the individual technique of their key players as well as physicality,” Newin told reporters upon arrival in the Iranian capital on Monday.

“What they lack, though, is the mobility and their build-up play is not quite good. We play at a higher tempo, which is one of our strengths. I don’t think they’re the best team we’ve faced so far.”  

Tadthep Pitakpoolsin, Buriram team manager, said his side, which is making only its second appearance in the tournament, has no qualms about playing in front of a huge crowd or against an Iranian side featuring former international Javad Nekonam, who returned to his native country after a spell with Spanish club Osasuna.

“We’ve studied our opponents on video and sent our scouting team here before. So, I think, we have enough information about them. And, I’m confident the home fans would not have any effect on us.

“I don’t see the crowd as a problem for us as we’re used to playing a match like this before. We’ve managed to get through it. The players, themselves, have sufficient experience to handle an intimidating atmosphere,” said Tadthep.

Aside from the home advantage in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, Esteghlal also enjoy the luxury of having nearly a week to prepare for the fixture after they played a league match away against Damash Gilan, in Rasht, which they won 2-1, on Thursday. Starsports channel will televise the match live from 10.30pm (Bangkok time).

The return leg is due to take place at Buriram’s I-Mobile Stadium on August 19, with the winners of the tie facing either Saudi Arabia outfit Al Ahli or FC Seoul of South Korea in the semi-finals.