CHIANG RAI – Chiangrai United had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Ayutthaya United at Singha Chiangrai Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Chiangrai saw plenty of the ball but could not find a way through, adding to a run of home matches without a win. Ayutthaya will be pleased with a hard-earned away point after a well-drilled defensive showing.
Tight Opening Half, Few Clear Chances
It was a bright afternoon in northern Thailand, with the temperature sitting around 23°C, perfect for a Thai League 1 fixture. Chiangrai started with intent and kept possession early on. They pushed high up the pitch and tried to stretch Ayutthaya using the pace of Montree Promsawat and Brazilian winger Carlos Iury.
Ayutthaya set up in a compact 4-1-4-1 and stayed organised. Their back line held its shape and dealt with early pressure. Chiangrai came closest in the 12th minute when Itsuki Enomoto met a smart pass from Gabriel Henrique and forced a sharp stop from the visiting keeper. Jordan Emaviwe reacted first to the loose ball, but a sliding defender blocked the follow-up on the line.
Ayutthaya looked most dangerous on quick breaks. In the 28th minute, their striker chased a long ball in behind, but Apirak Woravong was quick off his line and smothered the chance. The first half ended goalless. Chiangrai had 58 percent of the ball and managed three shots on target.
Pressure Builds After the Break, But No Winner Arrives
Chiangrai raised the tempo in the second half. Their coach turned to the bench, sending on Settasit Suvannaseat and Sittichok Kannoo to add more movement in the final third. The home side spent long spells in Ayutthaya’s half, but the visitors kept their lines close and blocked space around the box.
In the 55th minute, Marco Ballini rose well from a corner, but his header flew just over. The best chance of the match came in the 68th minute. Carlos Iury skipped past two defenders and struck from around 20 yards, only to see his effort smash against the crossbar. Chiangrai appealed for a penalty in the scramble that followed, but play carried on, and Ayutthaya cleared their lines.
Chiangrai kept pushing late on. Eduardo almost won it in the 82nd minute with a curling shot that forced a fingertip save.
Ayutthaya were happy to defend deep in the closing stages and tried to steal something on the counter, but neither side found the breakthrough. The final whistle brought relief for the away end and frustration around the 16,000-capacity Singha Chiangrai Stadium.
What It Means for Both Sides
After the match, the Chiangrai United manager summed up the feeling: “We had enough chances to win, but Ayutthaya defended so well. We have to be sharper in front of goal.” Ayutthaya’s coach was proud of his squad: “A point here is a big result for us. The players worked hard and stayed focused.”
The draw keeps Chiangrai United in mid-table, around eighth place, as they try to find steady form in the 2025-2026 Thai League 1 season. For Ayutthaya United, the promoted side, this point moves them closer to safety and keeps their strong away record going, which has been among the best in the league.
This also follows their earlier meeting this season, a 1-1 draw, adding another chapter to a fixture that is starting to feel like a proper rivalry.
Match Statistics: Chiangrai United
| Statistic | Chiangrai United |
|---|---|
| Possession | 59% |
| Shots | 14 |
| Shots on Target | 5 |
| Corners | 8 |
| Fouls | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Passes Completed | 412 |
Match Statistics: Ayutthaya United
| Statistic | Ayutthaya United |
|---|---|
| Possession | 41% |
| Shots | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Corners | 3 |
| Fouls | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Passes Completed | 278 |
With goals coming freely in Thai League 1 this season, this match felt like a throwback, full of blocks, clearances, and patience. Chiangrai will need a sharper edge in their next outing. Ayutthaya head home with a point they fully deserved.
