First and foremost, congratulations to the three clubs representing Thailand.
They have all succeeded in advancing through the rounds of Asian football tournaments.
This success positively impacts the coefficient ranking of our Thai League.
Currently, it stands third as the best league in East Asia, behind only Japan's J.League and South Korea's K.League.
The “Thunder Castle” team, Buriram United, hosted and defeated Shanghai Shenhua from China 2-0.
They secured a spot in the ACL Elite round of 16 for two consecutive seasons, a first in the club's history.
They have already earned accumulated prize money exceeding 43 million baht.
In the next round, the Buriram players will face Melbourne City, a top club from Australia's A-League.
The first leg will be played on 3-4 Mar 2026 GMT+7, with the second leg on 10-11 Mar 2026 GMT+7.
Looking at the matchups, Buriram shouldn't be overly concerned.
Facing a team from Australia is preferable to facing a J.League or Korean team,
which have traditionally been challenging opponents for Thai clubs.
In the secondary AFC Champions League 2, two other Thai clubs, Ratchaburi FC and True Bangkok United, did not disappoint their fans.
They used their own players' strength to create a new historic chapter for their clubs.
Especially the “Dragon Kings” who have made history by advancing to the knockout round of 16 for the first time.
They then achieved a notable victory over Indonesian side Persib Bandung with a 3-1 aggregate score across two matches.
They advanced to the quarterfinals as planned, winning prize money exceeding 21.5 million baht.
They also faced a tense situation in Indonesia when home fans became agitated after their team was eliminated.
Supporters stormed the field and threw water bottles, forcing Ratchaburi players to flee into the locker room and remain trapped inside for an extended period.
This incident occurred immediately after the final whistle at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.
Some Persib Bandung fans, unhappy with the result, caused a minor riot.
They threw objects from the stands and surrounded the locker room, preventing Ratchaburi from leaving the stadium as scheduled.
This event marks a blemish on ASEAN football, pending official reports and sanctions from the AFC.
Fortunately, Ratchaburi’s players and staff returned safely to their accommodations without injuries.
However, the incident on Javanese soil will surely be memorable for many.
Ratchaburi’s journey in this Asian tournament truly experienced every possible challenge!
In the quarterfinals, the team from the pottery city will face another tough challenge.
They will have a rematch against the well-known Japanese club Gamba Osaka, whom they lost to in the group stage.
According to the schedule, Ratchaburi will visit Japan on 4 Mar 2026 GMT+7 and host the second leg on 11 Mar 2026 GMT+7.
This round will be difficult, but playing the second match at Ratchaburi Stadium means anything can happen!
Similarly, the “Angel Warriors” True Bangkok United made new history by reaching the ACL2 quarterfinals as desired.
After a 2-2 draw away against Macarthur in Australia, Bangkok United won 4-2 on aggregate.
They have already earned prize money exceeding 23 million baht.
In the next round, they will face Tampines Rovers from Singapore’s S.League, with the first leg on 5 Mar 2026 GMT+7 and the second on 12 Mar 2026 GMT+7.
This strong performance should bring a smile to club chairman Booncharoen Chairawan.
Earlier, the team's form seemed stagnant and uncertain.
But adjustments made in the second leg by Coach Ta Tawan Sripan have brought the team into better shape.
They added two Brazilian players to enhance the attack and, importantly, brought in “Kao Ken” Picha Utra to add tenacity in midfield.
Their form has improved remarkably, with 5 wins and 2 draws in 7 matches since the new year, remaining unbeaten.
A highlight was their historic 2-0 away win over league leaders Buriram United in the Thai League earlier this month.
They then made history again by reaching the quarterfinals of the secondary Asian cup.
In summary, Bangkok United's style under Coach Ta may not be as beautiful or elegant as before,
but the results have been consistently successful, winning many matches and meeting targets.
Fans of the Angel Warriors are likely happier and more satisfied this way.
This is better than playing well but not earning any points.
That would be far more frustrating, so better to accept this outcome!
- Bee Bangpakong -