Buriram came back after the international break to record a convincing 3-1 victory over Thai Royal Navy in Bangkok.Buriram pushed the home team back from the start and the Navy goalkeeper was kept very busy throughout the game. The referee was also kept busy as Navy were prepared to stop the champions by any means necessary.
Buriram took a deserved lead in the thirty-sixth minute when Narabudin played a ball into the box from the right. Seul Ki cleverly let it run to Diogo who controlled the ball before turning to hit a low shot into the corner of the net from twelve yards.
Buriram continued to press and peppered the home goal with shots but a combination of desperate defending and good goalkeeping kept them from adding to their tally.
Buriram continued to press after half-time but it was the home side who grabbed a surprise equalizer on the hour mark. Navy had already hit the crossbar when a ball was played into the edge of the area for Vitor to send a low shot beyond Siwarak into the corner of the net.
Buriram’s response was instant and they regained the lead five minutes later. A long ball into the box was headed on by Macena for Suchao to steal in and lift the ball beyond the stranded keeper. Buriram then made the game safe with a superb third goal from Macena in the seventy-second minute.
The ball was played in from the right to Macena who had his back to goal. The Brazilian’s first touch sent the ball looping into the air before an acrobatic overhead kick sent the ball crashing into the back of the net. A goal fit to grace any league in the world.
Buriram poured forward in search of more but careless finishing and stout defending denied them further goals. A good, solid performance to resume the season and it’s going to be a battle to the finish with fierce rivals Muang Thong who also won.
I apologize for the brevity of this report but I am currently in England and had to rely on match highlights.