The Thai League champion this season probably doesn't need any more suspense.
Only two matches into the second leg, Buriram United's 'Isan Thunder' players have shown utterly dominant form.
In the latest match last Sunday, Chiangrai United, known as the 'Giant Swallows,' took the lead early by scoring first.
But in the end, the home team overwhelmed them, scoring 8 goals to 1 in a comeback victory.
They maintained a 12-point gap over second-placed Ratchaburi, who narrowly beat bottom team Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda 1-0.
With such a gap, it is very unlikely, if not impossible, for any team to catch up.
Ultimately, the southern Isan powerhouse seems set to clinch the top league title again comfortably and without rivals.
Looking at the current standings, the top five teams chasing from behind appear more focused on competing for second place.
Comparing current form, the 'Dragon Kings' have a better chance than others as they have already pulled ahead by 5 points and maintain decent form.
Disappointingly, Port FC under Alexandre Gama seemed poised to surge in the second leg.
However, when visiting Rayong, despite taking a 2-goal lead,
their momentum suddenly collapsed, and they were overwhelmed 5-2 by the 'Black Stallions,' returning home empty-handed and dejected.
If Port FC's form remains unstable and roller-coaster-like,
it will be difficult for them to contend for a respectable position near the top with other teams.
Meanwhile, True Bangkok United likely face similar fatigue, narrowly winning 3 points over BG Pathum, who played with only nine men from the first half.
This season, each victory has been a tense struggle for them.
Likewise, BG Pathum, after their first Thai League loss under Masatada Ishii to Bangkok United, still cannot rely confidently on their match-to-match performances which ideally should be more stable.
In summary, there is no need to exhaust ourselves worrying about the Thai League championship anymore.
Better to focus on the relegation battles at the bottom of the table.
Especially for fans of the 'Kilen Phayong' Muangthong United, once a mighty 'big team' powerhouse in Thailand,
the current situation and points standings show
they have become a team fighting desperately to avoid relegation.
After two matches in the second leg, they lost at home to newly promoted Ayutthaya United,
then were beaten 3-0 away by Phrae United last Saturday.
This dropped them into the red zone, replacing Iron Horse FC, which finally escaped the bottom three.
In recent seasons, Muangthong fans were used to poor first-leg performances,
followed by comeback runs chasing points to reach the top five or top six positions frequently.
They earned the nickname 'Second Leg Kings' for this resilience.
But this season, the club's atmosphere seems different, less vibrant and spirited than before.
The key move to bring in new Croatian coach Mario Ivanovic to revive the team
is still uncertain if it will meet expectations.
Most players are young talents recently promoted to the senior squad, lacking experience and resilience.
Add to this the new foreign signings this leg—Serbian striker Marko Saric, South Korean defender Kim Dong-Soo, and William Popp returning from injury.
It remains to be seen if they are enough to handle this heavy and stressful mission this year.
One must sympathize with 'Boss Pae' Ronarut Suewaja, who has carried the team's burdens heavily.
In previous years, he confidently declared Muangthong United knew exactly how to become champions.
But this season, it must be acknowledged that Muangthong United
now need to learn how to 'avoid relegation' fully.
Judging by Boss Pae's expression during live broadcasts, the message is clear.
- Bee Bangpakong -