AFC Champions League Elite - Bandovic revels in Port’s success

Pathum Thani: Bozidar Bandovic was full of praise for his Port FC side after they came through 7-4 winners against Beijing FC in an exciting AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Tuesday.

Bordin Phala led the way for the Thai side with a hat-trick while Jude Soonsup-Bell and Teerasak Poeiphimai grabbed a brace each, with the win coming as a relief for Bandovic after three defeats.

#ACLElite | Port FC (THA) 7-4 Beijing FC (CHN)

“It was a great game,” said Bandovic. “We didn’t start well and made a lot of mistakes but we never gave up and got better as the game went on.

“Some of the goals we conceded could have been avoided. In the second half we attacked the spaces well with our extra man after their red card.

“We need to be ready for the next game. It was a good game for us to have this first victory.”

There was no hiding the disappointment for Nick Montgomery after Beijing’s 22-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end in the 11-goal thriller.

The English tactician admitted there were too many mistakes made by his players and the result justified the performance.

“They deserved the win, we are humbled in defeat and don’t deserve anything out of the game tonight,” said Montgomery. “We cannot make that many mistakes.

“The boys would have been disappointed with the way we lost the game because we could have scored more in the first half and conceded simple goals.

“I’m massively proud despite the result because we have been on a long unbeaten run. All good things have to come to an end at some point.”

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