History will soon be in the making as Melbourne City FC prepares to face BG Pathum United FC for its first-ever fixture in the AFC Champions League.
The clash represents City’s first of six group stage games to be played over a 17-day period in a centralised hub in Bangkok, Thailand.
You’ll be able to watch all City AFC Champions League games via 10play or Paramount+!
The City boys have now spent several days in the hub after departing the morning after their disappointing Melbourne Derby defeat last weekend.
It was a rare off night for the team as it shipped three first-half goals against the Victory, with Jake Brimmer scoring from the spot before Marco Rojas netted a double. Whilst Patrick Kisnorbo’s side improved in the second half, the team could do little to chip away at the scoreline as it was kept scoreless for just the third time in the league this year.
Fortunately, the team has been able to look ahead to its inaugural Champions League fixture as an opportunity to mentally reset with a change of scenery – both literally and metaphorically, as it has both shifted countries and competitions.
It’s Matchday 1 opposition, BG Pathum United, will be a great benchmark for City to test itself against, with reigning Thai League 1 (T1) champions again in great domestic form. Though in second place, the team has won its past five and is undefeated in its last 15 league games.
Brazilian striker Diogo has lead the way for BG Pathum in T1 this season, recording nine goals and two assists in just 13 appearances. Similarly, Singaporean Ikshan Fandi has hit the ground running since arriving in January, scoring eight times in 14 matches for his new club.
The Thai champions will have a unique advantage in their upcoming group stage games, with all Group G fixtures set to be played out of their home of BG Stadium, where fans will be in attendance.
With BG Pathum set to be our first-ever foreign opposition outside of a competitive domestic setting, the City boys will hope to make a positive start and pick up a massive three points to kick off their inaugural group stage campaign.
