Last Saturday, fans of two of Thailand's top football teams surely had an intense chance to cheer on their favorite sides.
Yes, I am referring to the supporters of Buriram United and Muangthong United.
They are both rivals and arch-enemies, competing for dominance during the peak of Thai football's glory years several years ago.
But today, as many things have changed with time,
both big clubs remain, yet their statuses are completely different!
The "Sera Kraw" champions still stand at the pinnacle of excellence,
a football powerhouse in ASEAN who challenge annually in Asia's top tournaments.
Meanwhile, the "Kilen Phayong" squad has gradually downsized from their former grandeur and blazing success.
They have become a team fighting desperately to escape relegation, cornered and struggling.
Each match is a nerve-wracking battle, barely surviving and leaving fans breathless!
At this moment, the situations of these two teams could not be more different.
But what remains alike is that both continue to fight according to their own paths and challenges in professional football.
The results of Saturday night's matches speak volumes.
Buriram United suffered heartbreak and disappointment, ending their run in the AFC Champions League Elite at the quarterfinal stage once again.
After a grueling fight against Shabab Al Ahli, they fell behind by two goals but rallied to an exciting 2-2 draw.
However, they conceded a decisive goal to the UAE giants in extra time, leading to a regrettable elimination.
Nonetheless, the Isan-based team, Thailand's sole representative, comfortably pocketed $1.8 million USD (approximately 57.7 million baht).
Counting only the years Buriram reached the ACL Elite knockout stage, which they have done once before,
the last two seasons have seen them earn more than 112 million baht combined.
This represents the ongoing challenge for club owner "Big Ne" Newin Chidchob, who seemingly never feels satisfied with success.
Even after collecting trophies to fill the club's trophy case every year to overflowing,
if the Buriram squad has yet to become a "top" Asian team as intended,
their battle on the football road is sure to continue.
Similarly, Muangthong must also grit their teeth and fight hard.
They managed to come from behind to beat "Swat Cat" Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC 2-1 in a crucial recent Thai League match at Thunder Dome Stadium.
This win lifted them from the bottom to 14th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
They still have a chance to survive with three matches remaining.
Having once fallen into poor form and despairing fans,
it's remarkable that veteran Brazilian coach Jose Alves Borges
has revived the "Kilen Phayong" with great energy and passion.
Especially at home, where they have become strong, unbeaten with three wins and one draw.
A 0-0 draw with Port FC, wins over Uthai Thani 1-0, Chiang Rai 2-1, and Korat 2-1,
prove that "Kilen Phayong" are not ready to give up easily.
But the next three games will be tough.
On Sunday, 26 Apr 2026, they visit "Chonburi Sharks" Chonburi FC at Chonburi Stadium.
On Friday, 1 May 2026, Labor Day, they return home to Thunder Dome to face BG Pathum United.
They close the season by visiting "Fire Bats" Sukhothai FC on Sunday, 10 May 2026 at Talay Luang Stadium.
This last match is expected to be a decisive battle,
determining who will remain or be relegated from the top league this season.
Truly a fight for survival!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -