The December 1 event was another stormy one, with Zhejiang beating Buriram United in a sweep of the AFC Champions League, narrowing the points gap between the Chinese Super League and the Thai Super League to one point once again, according to Sports Weekly reporter Ma Dexing.
Zhejiang came back to win the AFC Champions League 3-2 at home, but the chaotic scenes after the match are a cause for concern. The AFC's punishment has yet to be announced, but it could certainly be the key to Zhejiang's ability to continue playing in the AFC Champions League next season.
The win was significant for the Chinese Super League, as the Thai league's rivalry with the Chinese Super League is particularly fierce in the AFC Technical Points Rankings. Currently, the Chinese Super League is ranked seventh in Asia and the Thai Super League eighth; in the East Asian region, the Chinese Super League is third and the Thai Super League fourth. The technical points ranking directly determines the future allocation of seats for Asian clubs and the AFC Champions League.
Prior to the group stage, the Chinese Super League teams' technical points were equal to Thailand's, both at 6.233. After the fifth round of group matches, the Chinese Super League team won 2 and lost 1, the technical points rose to 8.233 points, while only Bangkok United of the three Thai teams won, the Thai Super League technical points stayed at 7.233 points. Zhejiang's victory is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the Chinese Super League to get rid of the pressure of Thai Super League points.
It is envisioned that if Zhejiang loses, the technical points of the Chinese Super League will be overtaken by the Thai Super League. If the two sides draw, they will remain on the same points. Therefore, a win for Zhejiang is crucial, not only to keep their hopes of qualifying, but also to take a favorable position in the race for a future AFC Champions League spot.
