Melbourne City Survive Late Scrape vs Buriram

Mazzeo header denies Buriram win in ACL Elite

Melbourne City escape 1-1 draw vs Buriram United in ACL Elite last-16 first leg, thanks to Ben Mazzeo's stoppage-time header. Tie wide open ahead of return leg in Thailand.

“It's certainly important that we scored because if we went there 1-0 down, there ‌would...”

Ben Mazzeo's stoppage-time header rescued a 1-1 draw for Melbourne City against Buriram United in the Asian Champions League Elite last-16 first leg. The 20-year-old's powerful downward header, from Marcus Younis' inviting cross, beat Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and keeps City's quarter-final hopes alive.

The match is far from over, with the return leg in Thailand next week. 

“It's certainly important that we scored because if we went there 1-0 down, there ‌would probably be a little bit of ⁠a lack of belief,” said ‌City coach Aurelio Vidmar. “But I thought we thoroughly deserved what we got tonight.”

Buriram took the lead through Guilherme Bissoli's stunning 37th-minute strike, a first-time shot into the top corner from a tight angle. However, the lead was short-lived as Mazzeo headed in the equaliser after a VAR review overturned a late penalty awarded to Buriram.

Japan's Machida Zelvia held on for a 0-0 draw with Gangwon FC in South Korea, thanks to some impressive goalkeeping by Kosei Tani. The Japan international made a crucial save in the 88th minute, pushing Abdalla Halaihal's strike onto the post, and the teams will meet again in Machida next Tuesday.

The Asian Champions League Elite last-16 ties continue, with Vissel Kobe facing FC Seoul and Johor Darul Ta'zim taking on Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The winners will advance to the quarter-finals, played in Jeddah in April.

𝘽𝙀𝙉𝙉𝙔! 🤩

A last-gasp equaliser from Ben Mazzeo ensures we head to Thailand on level terms next week!#MCYvBUR | 🩵 1-1 🟠 | #ACLElite pic.twitter.com/K2LeSCdysd

— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 3, 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed matches in the West Region due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. This includes the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 games and quarter-final matches in the AFC Champions League 2 and AFC Challenge League.

The decision affects several high-profile matches, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr game against Al Wasl, and Al-Duhail vs Al-Ahli. Matches in the East Region will continue as scheduled. The AFC prioritizes the safety and security of players, teams, officials, and fans.