CHIANG RAI – In a clash that defied the league standings, Chiangrai United delivered a masterclass in efficiency to secure a pivotal 2-0 victory against title-contenders Bangkok United at the Leo Chiangrai Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The Matchday 28 fixture of the 2025-26 Thai League 1 season proved to be a “tale of two halves” within the first 45 minutes. While the visitors from the capital arrived as heavy favorites, it was the “Beetles” who seized their opportunities with clinical precision, leaving the Bangkok United faithful in stunned silence.
Enomoto’s Golden Double Decides the Tie
The match’s defining moments belonged to Itsuki Enomoto, whose quick-fire brace just before the interval turned the game on its head. Despite Bangkok United controlling much of the early possession, they struggled to break down a resilient and well-organized Chiangrai United backline.
- The Breakthrough (44’): Just as the first half seemed destined to end goalless, Enomoto broke the deadlock. Capitalizing on a lapse in the Bangkok defense, he slotted the ball home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
- The Sucker Punch (45+4’): Deep into stoppage time of the first half, Enomoto struck again. His second goal was a hammer blow to the visitors’ morale, doubling the lead and providing Chiangrai with a comfortable cushion heading into the locker rooms.
Throughout the second half, Bangkok United pushed forward aggressively, searching for a way back into the contest. However, the home side’s defense, bolstered by the vocal support of over 4,400 fans, remained impenetrable.
Tactical Masterclass at Leo Chiangrai Stadium
The result marks a significant upset in the current campaign. Before kickoff, Bangkok United sat comfortably in the top five, while Chiangrai United was battling in the lower half of the table. This win not only boosts Chiangrai United’s survival hopes but also serves as a warning to the league’s “Big Three” that the Northern Lions are far from tamed.
Chiangrai United’s strategy was clear: absorb pressure and strike on the counter. The efficiency of their performance is highlighted by the fact that they secured the win despite having fewer shots on target than their opponents in previous meetings.
Chiangrai United Match Overview
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | 2 |
| Scorer(s) | Itsuki Enomoto (44′, 45+4′) |
| Home Ground | Leo Chiangrai Stadium |
| Attendance | 4,488 |
| League Position (Post-match) | 8th |
Bangkok United Match Overview
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | 0 |
| Head Coach | Totchatawan Sripan |
| Form Entry | L-D-L-L-L |
| League Position (Post-match) | 5th |
| Key Absence | Struggled with clinical finishing |
What This Means for the Title Race
For Bangkok United, this defeat is a massive setback. With the season reaching its business end, dropping points against mid-table opposition could prove fatal for their AFC Champions League qualification hopes. Coach Totchatawan Sripan expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, citing the team’s inability to convert dominance into goals.
For Chiangrai, the three points offer breathing room. The victory snaps a difficult run of form and propels them toward a top-half finish. As the Thai League 1 season enters its final weeks, this 2-0 result will be remembered as the night the Beetles showed they still have the sting to take down the giants.
Watch the Highlights of Chiangrai United’s victory
