FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Beijing oust Buriram 2-0

Beijing oust Buriram 2-0

Beijing  -  A second half goal and assist from Renato Augusto earned Beijing FC a 2-0 win over Buriram United in Group G of the 2019 AFC Champions League at the Workers’ Stadium on Wednesday.

 

Played in torrential rain in the Chinese capital, the home side took time to settle into the game and it was the visitors who enjoyed the best early chance but Pedro Junior couldn’t beat Zou Dehai in goal.

It took until 30 minutes into the game for the home side to start to take control and Cedric Bakambu almost gave Beijing a fortuitous lead when Yu Dabao’s header ricocheted off his foot, just evading the far post.

Bakambu, who scored a hat-trick when the two teams met in Thailand two weeks ago, had the final chance of the first half after beating the offside trap to get in behind the Buriram defence, but his shot was easily saved by Siwarak Tedsungnoen as the teams headed into half time still locked at 0-0.

While Buriram would’ve been happy heading into half time, it took only 10 minutes into the second half for the home side to go ahead after they were awarded a spot-kick for a handball by Sasalak Haiprakhon, with Brazilian international Augusto making no mistake from the spot.

Roger Schmidt’s side should’ve doubled their lead just two minutes later, but Bakambu’s point-blank effort was well saved by Siwarak to keep Buriram in the game.

It was but a momentary reprieve, however, and the home side got the second goal they were after with 15 minutes remaining when Augusto turned provider, clipping in an inch perfect cross for Ba Dun who headed home at close range.

The win takes Beijing FC into second spot in Group G behind Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who defeated Urawa Reds 2-1 earlier in the evening.

And it is the Korea Republic side that Beijing will next face at the Workers’ Stadium in two weeks in a match that could determine which team finishes top of the group.

Buriram United, meanwhile, return home to face Urawa Red Diamonds with their hopes of advancing from the group all but extinguished.

 

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