Hosts Buriram United played to a goalless draw against J.League 1 champions Vissel Kobe in their opening match of 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite league stage at the Chang Arena on Tuesday.
The closest chance for the Thai champions came three minutes before halftime when Supachai Chaided almost put his side ahead, while home defender Curtis Good cleared a second-half attempt by Daiji Sasaki off the line in a game that featured few clear scoring chances.
Both teams secured a point in their first match of the 12-team league stage, where each club will play eight games in a bid to qualify for the knockout rounds of the continental competition.
In the 20th minute, Dion Cools came close to scoring for Buriram after a failed clearance by Yuki Honda left him with a chance inside the penalty box, but Kobe’s goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa was quick to save with his feet.
Five minutes later, Yosuke Ideguchi delivered the first real moment of quality, forcing Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to punch away his well-struck volley in a tight first half.
Maekawa was called into action again just before halftime when Supachai took advantage of Ryo Hatsuse’s mistake deep in Kobe’s half. Supachai unleashed a powerful low shot from 30 yards, but Maekawa stretched to make a crucial save, keeping the score level.
Cools had another chance early in the second half but shot wide, while substitute Yoshinori Muto injected pace into Kobe’s attack. The former Newcastle United striker cut the ball back to Sasaki, but his shot went wide.
Muto continued to pose a threat, dribbling through Buriram’s defense and forcing Etheridge into a save, with Sasaki’s rebound effort cleared off the line by Good.
Good also had a chance at the other end, heading over the bar as Buriram pushed for a late winner, but the match ended soon after as referee Muhammad Taqi blew the final whistle, leaving both sides with a point.