Shopee Cup 2025/26: Buriram United Reignites Title Bid, Nam Định Eyes Knockouts

The ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2025/26 is intensifying, with reigning champions Buriram United FC securing a vital win in Group A and debutants Nam Định FC maintaining a flawless record in Group B. These recent results are significantly shaping the race for semi-final berths, highlighting strong contenders and the emergence of key individual talents.

On Wednesday, Buriram United FC, the defending champions, delivered a commanding 4-1 defeat to Group A rivals Tampines Rovers FC in Singapore. This victory, marked by a second-half brace from Guilherme Bissoli, has put the Thai League 1 champions back on track for qualification. Meanwhile, Vietnamese champions Nam Định FC, poised for a crucial Group B clash on Thursday, has maintained a perfect 100 percent record across three matches, largely fueled by the exceptional return of forward Nguyễn Xuân Son.

Buriram United Reignites Title Defense in Group A

Buriram United FC demonstrated their championship pedigree on Wednesday at Jalan Besar Stadium, overcoming Tampines Rovers FC with a decisive 4-1 scoreline. The Thai side’s performance saw Suphanat Mueanta open the scoring in the 32nd minute, setting the tone for their first victory of the current campaign. The second half belonged to Guilherme Bissoli, who netted two goals, including a penalty in the 70th minute after Shuya Yamashita brought down Dougall in the box. Goran Čaušić added a late fourth, sealing a dominant display, despite a stoppage-time consolation goal from Tampines’ Taufik Suparno.

The victory propelled Buriram United onto six points, drawing them level with Tampines Rovers, who had led Group A standings going into the match. Bissoli’s impactful performance earned him the ‘Shopee Star of the Match’ award, underscoring his critical role in reigniting Buriram United’s quest for the semi-finals with one group match remaining. The outcome significantly tightens the competition in Group A, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.

Nam Định FC on the Brink of Knockout Qualification

In Group B, Nam Định FC has emerged as a formidable force, maintaining a perfect record with three consecutive wins. The Vietnamese champions are on the verge of securing a spot in the knockout phase, largely due to the sensational form of forward Nguyễn Xuân Son. Following a lengthy injury spell due to a broken leg, Xuân Son has made an incredible return, scoring five goals—including a hat-trick and a brace—to become the tournament’s joint top scorer. His remarkable contributions have earned him two ‘Shopee Star of the Match’ awards, a unique achievement this season.

Nam Định FC head coach Mauro Jerónimo, speaking on Wednesday, expressed confidence in Xuân Son’s potential, stating, “He is not yet at his best, but he is getting closer and needs time.” Jerónimo emphasized the need for patience as Xuân Son continues to progress step by step after nearly a year away from regular football. Brazilian defender Lucas Alves echoed this sentiment, highlighting Xuân Son’s positive impact on the team, particularly after a difficult start to the domestic season where Nam Định currently sits in 10th place in V. League 1, despite winning the title last season.

Strategic Focus and High Stakes for Upcoming Clashes

As Nam Định FC prepares to face Lion City Sailors FC on Thursday, the team’s strategic focus is clear. Despite being joint top scorers in Group B with nine goals, coach Jerónimo has prioritized defensive drills during their mid-season break. “We were conceding too many goals, so we focused on being more aggressive without the ball, improving collective defending, transitions and set plays,” he explained. This tactical adjustment aims to bolster their defensive solidity while maintaining their offensive prowess, which Jerónimo believes holds significant potential.

For Lion City Sailors FC, the upcoming match against Nam Định is critical. Sitting in fourth place in Group B with one win, one draw, and one loss, they need all three points to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Head coach Aleksandar Ranković acknowledged the challenge, calling Nam Định “one of the best teams we have faced this season.” The Singaporean side, fresh off winning the Singapore Cup two weeks prior, hopes to carry that momentum into the crucial Shopee Cup encounter, understanding that past achievements will not dictate Thursday’s outcome.

The ongoing ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2025/26 is illustrating a dynamic competitive landscape, where established champions like Buriram United must battle resurgent teams and emerging talents like Nam Định’s Nguyễn Xuân Son, underscoring the tournament’s growing stature in regional football.