BG Pathum United kicked off their 2026 preseason campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Thai League 3 side Roi Et 2018 with a commanding 5-0 victory in an International Club Friendly at the Roi Et Stadium on July 12. The match, played under floodlights, served as an ideal fitness and sharpness test for the top‑flight club, while the hosts gained valuable experience against a side many expect to challenge for silverware in the coming season.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, BG Pathum United controlled possession and tempo, pressing high and forcing turnovers in Roi Et's defensive third. The visitors’ superior technical quality and movement proved too much for the home side, who fought bravely but struggled to contain the waves of attacks. By halftime, the scoreboard already read 0-3, and two more goals after the break sealed a convincing win.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: A crisp passing sequence unlocked the Roi Et defence. Forward Teerasil Dangda slotted home from close range after a low cross from the right flank.
• 29th minute: Midfielder Sarach Yooyen doubled the lead with a well‑struck shot from outside the box, bending the ball into the top corner.
• 44th minute: A corner kick caused chaos in the box, and defender Charyl Chappuis poked in from a scramble just before the interval.
• 58th minute: Substitute striker Ikhsan Fandi added a fourth, latching onto a through ball and finishing calmly under the keeper.
• 76th minute: Winger Jakkaphan Kaewprom completed the scoring with a deflected effort from the edge of the area after a rapid counter‑attack.

Tactical Story

BG Pathum United head coach Matt Smith used the friendly to test a fluid 4-3-3 formation that allowed full‑backs to push high and create overloads. The midfield trio of Yooyen, Peeradon Chamratsamee, and new signing Kritsada Kaman dominated the centre of the park, recycling possession quickly and spraying passes to wide areas. Roi Et 2018, organised in a compact 4-4-2, attempted to soak up pressure and hit on the break, but their out‑balls were often cut short by BG’s aggressive pressing. The visitors’ high defensive line and quick transitional play repeatedly caught Roi Et off guard, and the scoreline could have been even larger had the woodwork not denied two further efforts.

Standout Players

• Teerasil Dangda – The experienced striker led the line with intelligence, linking play and taking his goal superbly. His movement created space for teammates throughout.
• Sarach Yooyen – Controlled the midfield tempo and scored a brilliant long‑range strike. His distribution and work rate were key to BG’s dominance.
• Charyl Chappuis – Solid at the back and dangerous from set pieces. His goal from the corner highlighted BG’s aerial threat.
• Ikhsan Fandi – The Singapore international made an impact off the bench, showing sharpness and composure in front of goal.

Looking Ahead

For BG Pathum United, this friendly offers a promising start to their preparation for the 2026/27 Thai League 1 season, with the team’s fitness levels and tactical understanding already appearing well‑developed. Head coach Smith praised the squad’s intensity and focus, noting that matches like this are crucial for building chemistry among new arrivals. Roi Et 2018, meanwhile, will take positives from the experience despite the heavy loss, as they continue their own preseason programme ahead of the Thai League 3 campaign. The gulf in class was evident, but the hosts showed discipline and effort, and the friendly will serve as a valuable yardstick for the challenges ahead.