By Lachlan Mitchell
Melbourne City travelled to Bangkok to make its debut in the Asian Champions League.
City’s first clash came against Thai side Pathum United at Leo Stadium, located on the outskirts of the Thailand capital.
The boys in white had to contend with the vocal home fans, as well as the 34-degree temperature.
City started well and were dominant in the first 15 minutes and were rewarded hastily when Andrew Nabbout broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute.
Nabbout fired home a long-range bullet with his trusty left foot to give City the advantage.
Pathum United swiftly found its form after giving up the first, with the game played in the Thai side’s half for rest of the term.
After dominating possession since conceding, a quick-cross saw the Thai side head home and equalizer in the 35th minute.
The well-timed header from Teerasil Dangda was just out of reach of City keeper Thomas Glover.
The home-side continued to push the City defence, but couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard going into the half.
The second-half began just as the first ended, with Melbourne City on the back-foot and appearing outclassed by the Thai outfit.
City’s second half seemed to be a more defensive game-style to limit Pathum’s use of the ball.
Despite having very little momentum, an against the tide Melbourne counter-attack, saw Jamie McLaren one on one with Pathum keeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak.
McLaren tried dribble around Phuthawchueak, but a crucial poke on the ball by the keeper, saw the ball pushed away, leaving McLaren caught out lobbing the ball straight in the keeper’s grasp.
It was the final opportunity for Melbourne City, as nothing separated the two sides when the final whistle was blown.
The draw sees City claim their first point the Asian Champions League, with Philippine side United FC in its sights on Monday night.
