SUKHOTHAI, Thailand (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, Buriram United secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Sukhothai in Thai League 1 action on Wednesday at Thung Thalay Luang Stadium.

The lone goal of the match arrived just after the hour mark, breaking a deadlock in a contest that was statistically forecast to swing the other way. Interstat’s pregame metrics had given the home side, Sukhothai, a 70.10 percent probability of victory, with a simulated final score of 2-1 in Buriram’s favor. The actual, single-goal outcome for Buriram proved the predictions wrong.

The decisive moment came in the 61st minute. The sequence involved multiple Buriram players, with substitutes Shinnaphat Leeaoh and Narubadin Weerawatnodom, alongside defenders Pharadon Phatthaphon and Saringkan Promsupa, all credited with an assist on the play. The build-up culminated with a finish from Robert Žulj, whose strike proved to be the match-winner.

The match was a physical and often fragmented affair, heavily influenced by disciplinary actions. The game’s complexion shifted significantly in the 35th minute when Sukhothai’s Bissoli was shown a straight red card, forcing the home team to play a man down for the remainder of the contest. That incident occurred moments after Buriram’s Saringkan Promsupa received a yellow card.

In total, the referee issued six yellow cards in addition to the dismissal. Narubadin Weerawatnodom was booked in the 12th minute, followed by the dual incidents in the 35th. Sukhothai’s Thiti Thumporn was cautioned in first-half stoppage time, and teammate Surawich Lokavit saw yellow in the 53rd. The cautions continued deep into stoppage time, with Buriram’s Shinnaphat Leeaoh and Pharadon Phatthaphon both booked in the final moments of the match.

Playing with a numerical advantage for nearly an hour, Buriram United controlled proceedings but was repeatedly frustrated by a resolute Sukhothai defense until Žulj’s breakthrough. The visitors were unable to add to their lead, but the single goal was sufficient to seal the three points.

With the result, Buriram United begins its Thai League 1 campaign with a win, moving its season record to 1-0 in the competition and across all tournaments. Sukhothai, meanwhile, starts the season with a defeat, its record falling to 0-1 both in the league and overall. The victory provides Buriram with a positive start as it aims to challenge for the title, while Sukhothai will look to regroup after a challenging opener that saw it play most of the match at a disadvantage.