The atmosphere before the Asian football match was vibrant online after Melbourne City's club page posted a video of the team's players visiting Phanom Rung Stone Castle in Buriram province before facing Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Elite second round.
On 10 March 2026, the clip showed Melbourne City players admiring the beauty of the famous ancient site in Buriram province and joining football activities with children on the castle grounds, creating a friendly vibe. Many Thai fans commented to welcome them to Thailand.
However, under the post, Cambodian netizens commented inviting the foreign team to visit castles in Cambodia as well, sparking a minor exchange in the comment section.
Some Thai netizens playfully replied that if they want foreign footballers to visit Cambodian castles, they should first enable clubs from their country to compete in high-level tournaments. Currently, Cambodian teams play in the AFC Challenge League, which is Asia's third-tier competition.
For the second match, Buriram United will host Melbourne City at 19:15 after their first game ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping the contest open for both teams.
It can be said that even before the match started on the field, the atmosphere off the field and online had already become lively, adding color for fans ahead of this important game for both sides.