A goal two minutes from time prevented Buriram from recording a famous victory at Cerezo Osaka in the Asian Champions League. It looked like they were going to hold on to their precious 2-1 lead until a lapse in concentration by Narubadin allowed Kenyu a free a run at the ball to head home.
Under normal circumstances, a draw in Japan would be considered a good result but coming so close leaves a very empty feeling. Being honest, perhaps the Japanese deserved a draw for their second-half domination but Buriram’s superb performance in the first also merited something more from the game.
It has to be the best Buriram have played in an away Champions League fixture. They were disciplined, pressed every ball and kept possession extremely well as they controlled the game.
The midfield was fluent and incisive with Diogo giving the home defence a torrid time from start to finish. He also captained the side well, leading by example and barking out orders throughout the game. There is little doubt that Buriram are a far better side without Jakkaphan in the team.
In the second period Buriram sat deeper and allowed the home side to come onto them. Maybe, they had little choice as Cerezo certainly upped the tempo as they went in search of an equalizer. It certainly rattled Buriram as at times they were reduced to simply clearing the ball downfield instead of playing through the team like they did earlier.
Buriram brought in Supachok for the suspended Jakkaphan and once again they got the early goal they wanted in the 11th minute. Ratthanakorn sent over a perfect inswinging left-wing corner and as Edgar just failed to get a touch at the near-post, Yang could only direct a header into his own net.
This gave Buriram the confidence to take the game to the home side who were rarely able to put any real pressure on the visitors’ defence. Indeed, Buriram could have had a second in the 37 minute when a superb team move from deep in their own half saw them move swiftly down the left before the ball was laid back to Ratthanakorn unmarked on the edge of the area.
He had plenty of time to compose himself but instead hit a tame shot straight at the keeper.
By the time the interval arrived, Siwarak had not a save of any note to make as Buriram simply denied the Japanese any significant possession.
However, the second-half was a different story. Cerezo came out with all guns blazing and pushed Buriram back deeper into their own half. Buriram were unable to keep possession for any length of time and were forced to just keep clearing their lines.
It seemed only a matter of time before the equalizer arrived and so it proved. An excellent left-wing cross in the 65th minute found Yang who got in front of Praweenwat to head powerfully into the net.
Buriram were up against it now but before the home side could really put the pressure on, they were hit by a sucker-punch in the 71st minute. Ratthanakorn sent over another excellent corner from the left which reached Edgar at the near post. The Brazilian back-headed the ball across goal for compatriot Diogo to head in from point-blank range.
Not only did this put Buriram back in front, it knocked the stuffing out of the home side, though Siwarak did make an excellent save in the 73rd minute, turning a powerful shot over the bar. That was just about the end of the goalmouth action as Buriram recovered their composure and looked likely to see the game out.
Then in the 88th minute a deep cross from the right found Kenyu unmarked and he made no mistake with a downward header. Narubadin was guilty of ball watching and didn’t see the danger until it was too late.
It was harsh on Buriram who had proved once again that they can compete at this level. Whether they qualify or not, they have certainly not looked out of place and can take great heart from their performances.
As you can see, the group is wide open and will go down to the last game whatever happens. Buriram next face group leaders Guangzhou Evergrande at the Chang Arena on Tuesday April 3, 6pm. It would be good to see a large crowd there to cheer the team on. They deserve it.
It’s back to league action on Sunday, March 18 with Siam Navy the visitors, kick-off 6pm.