Bissoli Strikes Twice as Buriram United Takes Commanding Lead Over JDT

Key facts

• Buriram United FC defeated Johor Darul Ta’zim FC 3-1 in the first leg semi-final.
• Guilherme Bissoli scored two goals for Buriram United, in the 34th and 94th minutes.
• Goran Čaušić scored Buriram United's second goal in first-half injury time.
• Ager Aketxe scored Johor Darul Ta’zim FC's lone goal in the 92nd minute.
• The match took place on Wednesday at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
• Buriram United are the Thai League 1 champions and defending ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ holders.
• Johor Darul Ta’zim FC are the serial Malaysian league winners.

Buriram United Claims Crucial Away Advantage

Defending champions Buriram United FC have taken a significant step towards the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ final, securing a gutsy 3-1 away victory against Johor Darul Ta’zim FC. The first leg of the semi-final, played on Wednesday at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, saw the Thai League 1 champions weather an early storm from their Malaysian counterparts before seizing control. This result puts Buriram United in a commanding position ahead of next Wednesday's second leg, with the club aiming to retain their regional title.

Bissoli's Brace Seals First-Leg Triumph

The match turned on the brilliance of Guilherme Bissoli, who netted two magnificent goals to steer Buriram United to victory. The Brazilian striker opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finding the back of the net with a low left-footed drive that gave JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Shyihan Hazmi no chance. This strike, his fifth of the campaign, came against the run of play and silenced the boisterous home crowd. Goran Čaušić then doubled the visitors' lead in first-half injury time with a powerful header from a cross by Theerathon Bunmathan, giving Buriram a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the break.

JDT Fights Back, But Bissoli Responds

Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, the serial Malaysian league winners, pushed earnestly in the second half, seeking to overturn the deficit. Their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time when Ager Aketxe pulled a goal back with a curling shot that found the far corner beyond goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's reach. However, Buriram United's two-goal cushion was restored almost immediately. In the 94th minute, Bissoli completed his brace with a glorious volley, ensuring his team would travel to Thailand with a crucial two-goal advantage.

An Intense Encounter at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

The game was marked by an intense atmosphere and early attacking intent from the home side. JDT, despite missing star forward Bérgson, seized the initiative, with Spanish winger Óscar Arribas proving particularly enterprising. Birthday boy Jairo, leading the JDT frontline, was often frustrated by a stout Buriram defence marshalled by captain Kenny Dougall and Theerathon Bunmathan. Within the opening 15 minutes, JDT saw multiple attempts, including efforts from Marcos Guilherme, Ager Aketxe, and Arribas, blocked by the visitors' resolute backline. Arribas and Nacho Méndez also had further chances that narrowly missed the target, underscoring JDT's early dominance that ultimately went unrewarded.

Context of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™

This semi-final clash represents a significant fixture in the premier regional club competition. Johor Darul Ta’zim FC head coach Xisco Muñoz had previously likened the meeting with Buriram United FC to a title decider, highlighting the stakes involved. Buriram United, as the Thai League 1 champions and defending holders of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™, carry the weight of expectation. Meanwhile, Selangor FC also gained an advantage in the other semi-final, securing a 2-1 win over Nam Định FC.

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

With a 3-1 lead, Buriram United are in a strong position to advance to the final. Johor Darul Ta’zim FC now face an uphill battle to overturn the two-goal deficit in the return leg at Buriram. The Malaysian club will need a significant performance to overcome the defending champions on their home turf and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive. The second leg is scheduled for next Wednesday.

The bottom line

• Guilherme Bissoli's two goals were decisive in Buriram United's 3-1 victory over JDT.
• The result gives Buriram United a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg of the semi-final.
• JDT showed early promise but could not convert their dominance into goals until late in the match.
• Buriram United are the defending champions of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™.
• The other semi-final sees Selangor FC holding a 2-1 lead over Nam Định FC after their first leg.