Buriram United draw with Kashima in ACL Elite

Buriram United draw 0-0 with Japan’s Kashima Antlers left the Thai champions still without a win in the AFC Champions League Elite after Wednesday night’s match at Buriram Stadium, the Bangkok Post reported.

How the Buriram United draw unfolded

Kashima, the 2018 Asian champions, rotated several starters yet still looked the likelier side before half-time. Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge blocked Minato Yoshida’s close-range shot with his knee on 29 minutes and later punched away a Haruki Hayashi header.

Buriram’s best first-half reply was a deflected Goran Causic effort that flashed wide in stoppage time.

After the break, Kashima coach Toru Oniki introduced Leo Ceara, who forced another Etheridge save and then missed two late chances. Buriram nearly stole the points when substitute Wanderson cut the ball back for Causic, only for the shot to be deflected wide with just over three minutes left.

What the Buriram United draw means in the table

Kashima moved onto 10 points, two behind second-placed Vissel Kobe, while Buriram under new head coach Raul Caneda stayed 12th on three points from four matches — all draws so far in this campaign.

Caneda said his side had little training time but “found a way to compete” and defended well, though he wanted more composure on the ball. Oniki said Kashima lacked quality in the final third. Source: Bangkok Post.

• Final score: Buriram United 0-0 Kashima Antlers
• Buriram: 3 points from 4 matches (12th)
• Kashima: 10 points (third in the 16-team standings at the time of report)
• Key saves: Neil Etheridge denied Yoshida, Hayashi and Ceara

Thai clubs elsewhere and the weekend slate

Other Thai sides have found more joy in continental play. BG Pathum United beat Tai Po 4-1 in the ACL Two group stage, underlining the contrast with Buriram’s slow Elite start.

Domestic attention now turns to Thai League 1, with Port in strong form after a 7-4 ACL Elite win over Beijing FC ahead of a home clash with Chonburi, while Lamphun host Sukhothai in a northern derby.

Muay Thai fans also have a busy Bangkok weekend, including ONE Fight Night 49 at Lumpinee. Older national-team context remains available in our Hudson Thailand King’s Cup coverage. Match facts above follow the Bangkok Post match report by Tor Chittinand.

Caneda’s task after the Buriram United draw

Buriram’s ACL Elite campaign has produced three draws and no wins under Caneda, who only recently took charge and has had limited training time with the squad.

The Bangkok Post match report credited Etheridge’s goalkeeping and late attacking substitutions, but also noted Kashima’s control for long spells despite resting regulars.

For Thai football followers, the result keeps pressure on Buriram to convert home dominance into three points before the Elite group stage slips away. Port’s high-scoring continental form and BG Pathum’s ACL Two win show that Thai clubs can still compete when finishing is clinical — the missing piece in Wednesday’s stalemate.

What Buriram United draw means for the campaign

Buriram’s four group matches have all ended level. That run has delivered three points, but the team is still seeking its first win.

Etheridge’s saves kept Kashima from converting its chances. Causic’s late attempt offered Buriram a chance to change the result.

The contest highlighted both sides’ contrasting needs. Kashima had more promising moments, while Buriram defended well and needed greater composure in possession.

Caneda has only recently taken charge. Limited training time can make a tactical transition harder, especially in a demanding continental schedule.

For the Thai champions, the priority is clear: keep the defensive resilience and improve the final pass. The point keeps the campaign alive, but wins will be needed to climb from 12th place.

Image: Kokoliz, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — Buriram United draw venue Thunder Castle Stadium