Buriram United continued their strong form in the AFC Champions League Elite, securing a 1-0 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng on . The win, achieved through a goal from Bissoli, brings Buriram United closer to qualifying for the next stage of the competition.
A Tight Contest in Chengdu
The match, played in Chengdu, was a closely fought affair. While details of the game’s flow are limited, reports indicate a tense battle between the two sides. Buriram United’s ability to find the back of the net, despite a disallowed goal for Supanat Mueanta, proved to be the difference. Bissoli’s goal ultimately secured the three points for the Thai club.
Buriram United’s Progress in the ACL Elite
This victory builds on Buriram United’s existing position in the AFC Champions League Elite. According to standings as of , Buriram United has 4 points from 2 matches, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 0 losses, a goal difference of 2-1. They are currently performing well in their group, and this latest result significantly boosts their chances of advancing. The web search results confirm that Buriram United and Selangor FC have already qualified for the next round of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2025/26 Group A, suggesting a broader pattern of success for the Thai club.
The AFC Champions League Elite: A Growing Tournament
The AFC Champions League Elite is in its second year under this specific title, representing the 44th edition of Asia’s premier club football tournament. The tournament is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The 2025-26 edition features 24 teams from 12 associations. The quarter-finals onwards, dubbed the ‘AFC Champions League Elite Finals’, are being held as single-match knockout ties in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium, from to .
What’s at Stake for the Winner
The stakes are high for the tournament winner. The champion will qualify for both the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The winning team will automatically secure a place in the league stage of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite, provided they haven’t already qualified through their domestic league performance. Al-Ahli are the defending champions, adding to the prestige and competitive intensity of the tournament.
Association Team Allocation and Regional Representation
The allocation of slots for the AFC Champions League Elite is based on the club competitions ranking published after the 2023-24 competitions. These slots are subject to adjustments based on the results of the 2024-25 competitions. Saudi Arabia currently leads the West Region with two guaranteed slots plus one additional slot for the ACL Elite, while the United Arab Emirates has two slots plus one for the ACL2. Qatar also has two slots, and Iran has one. The competition structure aims to provide strong representation from across the Asian continent.
Domestic Support for Buriram United
The victory over Chengdu Rongcheng has been met with enthusiasm back in Thailand. Newin Chidchob, a prominent figure associated with Buriram United, expressed his gratitude for the support the team received, highlighting the positive impact of fan encouragement on their performance. This demonstrates the strong connection between the club and its supporters, and the importance of home support in driving success.
Tournament Statistics to Date
As of , the tournament has seen 82 matches played, with a total of 220 goals scored (an average of 2.68 goals per match). The average attendance across all matches is 1,021,030, with an average of 12,452 spectators per match. Adil Boulbina currently leads the goal-scoring charts with 6 goals. These statistics provide a snapshot of the tournament’s overall competitiveness and fan engagement.
Looking Ahead
Buriram United’s win against Chengdu Rongcheng is a significant step forward in their campaign. Their continued success will depend on maintaining their form and navigating the challenges that lie ahead. The AFC Champions League Elite promises to be a thrilling competition, with the best clubs in Asia vying for the coveted title and the opportunities it presents on the global stage. The tournament is set to culminate in a dramatic finale in Jeddah, where the champion will be crowned.
