Buriram arrived in Korea knowing that anything less than victory would see them go out of the Champions League. If they felt under pressure, they certainly didn’t show it with an accomplished , polished performance.
This was no smash and grab raid, Buriram were the better team, particularly in the second-half. Jeju had more possession but Buriram created the better chances and could have won by a bigger margin. Though it mustn’t be forgotten that Jeju twice struck the woodwork.
The defence was rock solid with Tunez and the ever-more impressive Junsoo outstanding in the centre. But this was not about individuals, it was about players who worked as a unit and gave their all for the cause.
If Buriram can maintain this level, the Thai league will be a formality. When this group was drawn, few people (me included) gave Buriram little chance of progressing. But apart from the first twenty minutes against Guangzhou in China and Jeju at home, they have shown that they can compete with the best Southeast Asia has to offer.
Buriram have changed how many people perceive Thai football and for that the whole country should be grateful.
It was a very young team that started, with Supachok, Supachai, Korrakot and Sasalak all selected. Buriram settled well and moved the ball around nicely with good,controlled passing. They created the first chance of the game when an incisive move down the right ended with Supachai sending in a fierce shot from twenty yards which the keeper did well to turn round the post.
The Koreans were showing that they were anxious to get something out of this game, despite being already eliminated, but Buriram were holding their shape well and appeared very comfortable.
However, Buriram did have a let-off in the 20th minute when the defence was split by a great through-ball and Siwarak was happy to see the resulting clipped shot come back off the post. But you have to give the keeper credit for getting his angles right when he came out.
There was an incredible scramble in the Jeju box in the 29th minute following a right-wing cross and twice it seemed Buriram must score. But a combination of brave defending and good luck kept the ball out before Edgar eventually put it into the net, only to have it ruled out for a foul on the keeper.(An easy decision for the referee)
Buriram were stretched again in the 33rd minute when a good right-wing cross resulted in a firm header which Siwarak acrobatically turned over the bar.
So a good opening half with little to show between the two teams.
Buriram almost made a dream start to the second-half when Diogo was fouled out on the left in the 46th minute. Jakkaphan’s free-kick was perfect and Diogo’s flicked header was superbly turned round the post by the keeper.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute and what a good goal it was. Patient build-up play down the right saw the ball reach Diogo whose clever back-heel allowed Sasalak to burst into the area. A quick look up saw him unselfishly lay a perfect pass across goal for Korrakot to apply the simplest of finishes.
Buriram then had a great chance to put the game to bed in the 66th minute when a flowing move down the left saw Supachok pull a lovely ball back for Diogo who was unmarked ten yards from goal. The striker tried to place his shot rather than go for power and the keeper was able to get down low to make the save.
A minute later the two of them combined again, this time down the right, when Supachok’s low cross was met by Diogo at the near post but he was unable to get the ball between the keeper’s legs.
As if to emphasize how important the second goal would be, Jeju were inches away from spoiling Buriram’s party in the 76th minute. The home side were awarded a free-kick, left of centre about thirty yards out. The ball was struck powerfully and Siwarak was unable to get to it but it came back off the crossbar.
It would have been harsh on Buriram but the old saying always remains true-one goal is never enough. Supachok was then replaced by Suchao as Buriram decided to protect their precious lead which they did without any real alarms.
A great night and every single player can be justly proud of their performance.
Buriram will learn their next opponents tonight (Wednesday). It will be either Jeonbuk ,the Korean Cup holders and current league leaders or Tianjin Quanjian of China. Both have home games against the two struggling sides and with Jeonbuk holding a two point advantage, it is likely to be them.
Buriram will be at home in the first-leg on Tuesday,May 8, 6pm and away on Tuesday, May 15.
Next up is a tricky trip to Chiang Rai in the league on Sunday, April 22, 7pm.