BFB Pattaya City produced the headline result of the Thai FA Cup night with a stunning 5-2 away victory over Chonburi FC, turning a tense cup tie into a one-sided contest after half-time. The visitors arrived as underdogs but left Chonburi Stadium with a place in the next round and a performance that will be remembered for its sharp finishing, aggressive pressing and ruthless use of space on the counterattack.

Chonburi FC, one of the more established names in Thai football, had the better of the opening exchanges but were undone by a Pattaya side that grew in confidence with every attack. The scoreline reflected the visitors’ efficiency rather than a lack of effort from Chonburi, who twice found a route back into the game before the tie slipped away in the final quarter.

Match overview

The match was played at a high tempo from the first whistle, with Chonburi looking to impose themselves through possession and Pattaya content to press high and strike quickly in transition. That approach paid off as early as the 11th minute, when Rafael Nunes latched onto a through ball and finished calmly past the Chonburi goalkeeper to make it 0-1.

Chonburi responded well. Their equaliser arrived in the 23rd minute through Suphanat Kerdkaew, who drove into the box and found the bottom corner after a patient build-up. For a brief period, the home side looked capable of taking control, but Pattaya’s response was immediate and decisive.

Two goals before half-time changed the mood inside the stadium. Nattapong Chaiyaporn restored Pattaya’s lead in the 37th minute with a low strike from the edge of the area, and Rafael Nunes added his second in first-half stoppage time after another quick break down the right. Chonburi went into the interval 1-3 down and with plenty to fix.

Key moments

• 11’ – Rafael Nunes opens the scoring: A fast Pattaya transition split the Chonburi defence and Nunes finished with composure.
• 23’ – Suphanat Kerdkaew equalises: Chonburi’s best move of the first half ended with a well-placed finish.
• 37’ – Nattapong Chaiyaporn restores the lead: A loose ball fell to the Pattaya midfielder, who struck low through traffic.
• 45+2’ – Rafael Nunes scores his second: Another rapid counter left Chonburi exposed at the back.
• 58’ – Chatchai Wongdee pulls one back: The Chonburi forward gave the home crowd hope at 2-3.
• 76’ – Pichit Lamphun makes it 2-4: Pattaya punished a misplaced pass and effectively sealed the tie.
• 88’ – Thanawat Srisuwan completes the scoring: A late fifth goal capped a memorable away performance.

Tactical story

Pattaya’s 4-4-2 shape was designed to deny Chonburi time in midfield and force mistakes in wide areas. The front two worked tirelessly to close down the centre-backs, while the wide midfielders tucked inside to block passing lanes. That discipline made Chonburi’s build-up predictable, and when the home side lost the ball, Pattaya attacked with numbers.

Chonburi’s full-backs pushed high in search of overloads, but that left large spaces behind them. Pattaya repeatedly targeted those channels, and their direct running turned defence into attack within seconds. Chonburi’s midfield struggled to cover the distances, especially after half-time, and the visitors’ third and fourth goals both came from transitions that began deep in their own half.

Chonburi did create chances of their own, particularly during a 15-minute spell after the hour mark, but Pattaya goalkeeper Kittipong Anurak made two important saves at 2-3 to preserve the lead. Those stops proved decisive, as Pattaya pulled away again in the closing stages.

Standout performers

Rafael Nunes was the obvious match-winner, scoring twice and constantly stretching the Chonburi back line with his movement. His first goal set the tone, and his second before half-time gave Pattaya a cushion they never surrendered. Thanawat Srisuwan was equally influential, providing an assist and scoring the fifth goal after a tireless display on the right flank.

For Chonburi, Suphanat Kerdkaew was the bright spot, scoring the equaliser and attempting to drive his team forward. Chatchai Wongdee also made an impact off the bench, pulling a goal back at 2-3, but the home side could not build on that momentum.

Cup impact and what comes next

The result sends BFB Pattaya City into the next round of the Thai FA Cup with confidence and a clear identity. Their pressing structure and counterattacking speed will make them a difficult draw for any opponent, and the manner of this victory will raise expectations around the club’s cup run.

For Chonburi FC,