Bangkok United made a morale-boosting start to the new season when they outplayed defending Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in the Thailand Champions Cup last night.
The annual match, played at the Rajamangala National Stadium, traditionally serves as a curtain raiser to the new season, which is scheduled to kick off on Friday.
Last season's Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United were allowed to take part in the Champions Cup because Buriram had also won the FA Cup competition while completing a sweep of all three domestic trophies.
The Thunder Castle were full- strength for last night's game with Thailand international Theerathon Bunmathan leading the squad and Lonsana Doumbouya and Supachai Chaided carrying their scoring hopes.
Bangkok United were also without any injury concerns with their game plan mostly revolving around big names like Willen Mota and Thitiphan Puangchan.
During the first five minutes of the first half, Rungrath Poomchanthuek had a shot at goal but it was cleared with ease by experienced Buriram goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen.
Willen put the Angels ahead in the eighth minute after midfielder Rungrath opened the ball for him to score from close range.
Buriram, after going one goal down, started mounting pressure on their opponents and failed to convert a couple of scoring opportunities when Supachai and Theerathon missed the target by a whisker.
The Thunder Castle almost grabbed the leveller later in the first half but Bangkok United goalkeeper Patiwat Kummai was alert enough to ward off a sizzling long shot by Peeradol Chamratsamee.
Bangkok United launched two spectacular counter-attacks but Rungrath and Willen saw their shots fly over the bar shortly before the break.
Buriram were in for another shock after the break as the Angels' Mahmoud Eid doubled their lead only five minutes into the second half when he latched on to a pass from Nitipong Selanon.
The Thunder Castle had a few chances later in the second half as they desperately tried to kick off a recovery.
However, the Angels' defence stood their ground and thwarted all moves initiated by Buriram.