Buriram Holds Johor in AFC Champions League Opener
Buriram United held Malaysian side Johor to a 1-1 draw in the AFC Champions League Elite opener despite being reduced to 10 men, with both teams finishing with nine players after late red cards.
In the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 league stage opener on September 15 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia, Buriram United delivered a gutsy performance despite being reduced to 10 men. The home side took an early lead through Oscar Arribas in the 26th minute, but Stefan Shimmer equalized for Buriram in the 43rd minute. Buriram's evening worsened in the 57th minute when Kenneth Dugoal received a second yellow card and was sent off. In the 83rd minute, Buriram had a penalty but goalkeeper Neil Etheridge saved it. Both teams finished with 10 players after Johor's Eddie Israfilov was also sent off in the 90th minute, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw and each side earning one point.
In the other match, Rayong FC—making their AFC Champions League Elite debut—hosted Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port at their home stadium. The encounter proved to be a high-scoring affair with 10 goals total, but Rayong suffered a heavy 4-6 defeat in their historic first competitive appearance in the continental competition.
