In a display that underlined their dominance in the Thai League 2, Rasi Salai United overwhelmed a struggling Esan Pattaya with a resounding 4-1 victory at the Nongprue Municipality Stadium on October 26, 2025. This match not only reinforced Rasi Salai's unbeaten run but also placed them firmly at the summit of the league, while Esan Pattaya continues to grapple with their poor form, now sitting 12th on the table.
The momentum quickly shifted from a seemingly balanced encounter to a one-sided affair. After Esan Pattaya took an unexpected lead in the 24th minute, the home supporters, perhaps buoyed by a glimmer of hope, celebrated briefly. However, their joy was short-lived as Rasi Salai United immediately responded just five minutes later. They scored a goal that sparked a chain reaction, with their offensive prowess coming to the fore.
As the half drew to a close, Rasi Salai struck again in the 45th minute, taking the lead just before the whistle sounded. The dynamics of the match shifted drastically when Esan Pattaya suffered a sending-off in the 44th minute, leaving them to begin the second half with ten men. Despite their efforts to regroup, they were unable to fend off Rasi Salai's relentless attack.
The visitors continued to dominate after the break, netting their third goal in the 61st minute and leaving Esan Pattaya reeling. To add insult to injury, another red card was issued to an Esan Pattaya player in the 82nd minute, further sealing their fate. Rasi Salai made the most of their numerical advantage, scoring their fourth goal in the 84th minute and effectively putting the match beyond doubt.
This result underscores the contrasting trajectories of both teams: Rasi Salai United, sitting atop the league with 21 points, has now secured six victories in their first nine matches, showcasing their attacking flair and depth. Conversely, Esan Pattaya remains mired in the relegation zone with just 11 points, having recorded only two wins. Their inability to convert chances into goals, alongside defensive lapses, continues to haunt them.
Reflecting on the pre-match preview, where the hope was for a competitive clash, the reality proved otherwise. The anticipated tussle turned into a harsh lesson for Esan Pattaya against a Rasi Salai side that clearly demonstrated their fitness and tactical superiority. Moving forward, Esan Pattaya faces a critical period where they must find a way to galvanize their efforts and avoid the fate of falling further behind as they look to salvage their season. On the other hand, Rasi Salai's ascendance continues, raising expectations as they eye promotion and the coveted prize of top-flight football.