BANGKOK (Interstat) — Port FC opened its Thai League 1 season with a commanding and explosive performance, dismantling Sukhothai 5-0 on Saturday at PAT Stadium.

The match, which defied pregame projections of a tight contest, was effectively decided within a blistering 11-minute first-half spell that showcased Port FC’s attacking firepower. The home side wasted little time imposing its will, with Brazilian forward Kaká Mendes opening the scoring in the 10th minute. He capitalized on early pressure to give Port FC a lead it would not relinquish.

The floodgates opened shortly after. Just seven minutes later, Japanese midfielder Noboru Shimura found the net to double the advantage. The relentless offensive continued as striker Teerasak Poeiphimai added a third goal in the 21st minute, completing a devastating sequence that left Sukhothai reeling before the match was even a quarter finished.

Sukhothai, the visiting side, offered little in response and struggled to contain Port FC’s momentum throughout the first half. Their frustrations boiled over in the 19th minute when defender Lucas Tocantins was shown a yellow card, one of the few interruptions to Port FC’s dominance in the opening period.

The second half saw Port FC maintain control and add to its tally. While the frantic scoring pace of the first half slowed, the home team comfortably managed the game and extended its lead with two more goals, sealing the comprehensive 5-0 victory. Sukhothai’s difficult evening was compounded in the 88th minute when a player identified as Romeu received a late yellow card.

The lopsided result starkly contrasted with pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a narrow 1-0 win for Port FC, while its ELO rating system gave the home side a 55 percent probability of victory. The actual outcome was a far more decisive statement of intent from Port FC as both teams began their league campaigns.

With the win, Port FC starts its Thai League 1 season with a victory, moving its record to one win and no losses. Sukhothai begins with a loss, standing at no wins and one loss. The records across all competitions for both sides are identical to their new league standings following this season-opening fixture.

The performance will serve as a warning to the rest of the league, demonstrating Port FC’s potent attack and ability to turn a match into a rout early. For Sukhothai, the heavy defeat presents immediate concerns and a need for significant improvement as the long season gets underway.