On December 1, 2023, Zhejiang footballers beat Buriram United in this round of matches to open a one-point gap between the Chinese Super League and the Thai Super League on technical points, according to Sports Weekly reporter Ma Dexing.
Zhejiang's come-from-behind 3-2 victory in their hometown AFC Champions League match was marred by scenes of post-match chaos. The AFC's subsequent punishment is not yet clear, but it is feared that it will have a major impact on Zhejiang's qualification for next season's AFC Champions League.
Looking back at this victory, it means a lot to the Chinese Super League. Within Asia, the CSL is provisionally ranked seventh, while Thailand follows in eighth position; in East Asia, the CSL is in third place and the Thai Premier League is in fourth. The ranking of the technical points is directly related to the future of the top Asian leagues and the AFC Champions League in the seats belonging to the member associations.
Prior to the group stage, the Chinese Super League teams' technical score was equal to Thailand's, both at 6.233. However, in the fifth round of group matches, the Chinese Super League teams won two and lost one, climbing to 8.233 technical points, while only Bangkok United among the three Thai teams won, and the Thai Super League technical points stayed at 7.233 points. Zhejiang's victory has undoubtedly won the Chinese Super League a valuable technical points advantage in this round of battles.
If Zhejiang loses this game, the Chinese Super League will be overtaken by Thailand in technical points. Even in a draw, the two sides will be level on points. Therefore, a win for Zhejiang is crucial to keep their hopes of qualification alive and improve the Chinese Super League's position in the AFC Champions League seat allocation.
