Buriram United beat BEC Tero Sasana to win Thai league
Jaja Coelho struck twice in the opening 20 minutes as a devastating early blitz helped seal Buriram United's fourth Thai League (T1) title in five years with a 4-0 victory at home to BEC Tero Sasana.
The Brazilian striker netted either side of Diogo Luis Santo's penalty to end the game as a contest before Suchao Nuchnum added a fourth in the second half.
The hosts wasted no time in getting the party started as Jaja opened the scoring after just six minutes. Narubadin Weerawatnodom stole possession and surged down the right before crossing low for Jaja to tap in at the far post.
Buriram doubled their lead in the 14th minute when Diogo converted a penalty after being bundled over in the box by Kalifa Cisse.
And it was soon 3-0 to the hosts. Jakkaphan Kaewprom flighted a crossfield pass to Jaja, who beat the offside trap and ran clear before blasting high into the net from 16 yards.
An offside flag denied Jaja his hat trick just after the half-hour mark before the visitors finally threatened in the 33rd minute.
Wichan Nantasri cut inside from the left and struck an excellent curling effort from 20 yards that had Siwarak Tedsungnoen scrambling but went just wide.
Suchao responded two minutes later with a very similar effort, but he came even closer as his long-range shot came back off the bar.
But Suchao would not be denied and he made it 4-0 to the hosts just beyond the hour mark. The veteran midfielder made a break down the left and exchanged passes with Diogo inside the box before curling a low shot into the corner.
Thereafter, Buriram missed several chances to add to their total. But the hard work had been done, and Bozidar Bandovic's side were T1 champions once again.
Game Information
Thai League 1 Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangkok United | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | +13 | 27 |
Buriram United | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | +24 | 23 |
Port | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | +10 | 22 |
BG Pathum United | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | +6 | 19 |
PT Prachuap | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | +4 | 19 |
Uthai Thani | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | +2 | 18 |
Sukhothai FC | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | -1 | 17 |
Ratchaburi Mitrphol | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 | +4 | 16 |
Nong Bua Pitchaya | 12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | -3 | 15 |
Muangthong United | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | +2 | 14 |
Nakhonratchasima | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 | -3 | 14 |
Lamphun Warriors | 12 | 3 | 4 | 5 | -4 | 13 |
Rayong FC | 12 | 3 | 2 | 7 | -12 | 11 |
Chiangrai United | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -14 | 7 |
Khon Kaen United | 12 | 1 | 4 | 7 | -15 | 7 |
Nakhon Pathom | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | -13 | 5 |