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Ratchaburi become latest team to beat champions Buriram in Thailand

Ratchaburi became the latest team to win at the Thunder Castle as they defeated Premier League of Thailand (PLT) champions Buriram United on Sunday with a goal from Portuguese winger Yannick Djalo.

The Dragons joined Muang Thong United and Army United as first-time victors over Afshin Ghotbi's side on their own patch in the last two months.

Buriram now lie 11 points behind leaders Muang Thong, who beat Chainat 2-0, as they approach the halfway point of the season, while Ratchaburi again demonstrated their potential in an inconsistent campaign.

Here are five things we learned on PLT Matchday 15:

1. No home, no problem for Ratchaburi

The grand opening of Ratchaburi's new stadium was slated for Sunday when the visitors were supposed to be Thai champions Buriram. Unfortunately, the building work fell behind schedule and the Dragons had to request a bit of hospitality from Buriram as they were unable to welcome them to their new home.

Ratchaburi did not make for gracious guests, however, as former Sporting Portugal man Djalo's strike in first-half injury time saw the visitors take all three points as they earned their first ever win over the side from the northeast.

The halfway point of the season can't come quickly enough for the defending champions. Star striker Diogo Luis Santo will be available again, while Portugal's Bruno Moreira will be joining him in attack. Former Anderlecht midfielder Rubenilson dos Santos, better known as Kanu, will also be reinforcing Buriram as they look to turn the page on a miserable first half to the season.

Ratchaburi's Spanish head coach Jose Rojo Martin, better known as Pacheta, told ESPN FC, "This victory is important because the opponent is a big team and it is the first time Ratchaburi have beaten them. I am very happy for our fans. Djalo is an important player for the team. He is very fast, he scores goals and he presses the first line of defence effectively."

2. Macena watches as Bangkok United win again

Bangkok United's recent signing Gilberto Macena was an interested spectator as his new club kept the pressure on leaders Muang Thong with a 2-0 victory at home to Chiang Rai United.

Macena starred for Buriram last season but found himself surplus to requirements, despite being a key component of the champions' all conquering side. After a brief spell with Saudi Arabia's Al-Qadisiyah, the Brazilian has returned to Thailand and will be eligible to play from Matchday 18.

Macena watched as Sanrawat Dechmitr gave the Bangkok Angels the lead after an excellent through ball from Mario Gjurovski. Dragan Boskovic wrapped up the points five minutes from time, with a neat finish from a narrow angle.

Bangkok United fans will be hoping that Macena can turn their side from contenders into champions in the second half of the season.

3. Milos steers Swatcats back to winning ways

Nakhon Ratchasima's head coach Milos Joksic made an immediate impact as his new side earned their first PLT victory in three months. The win came at the expense of Pattaya United -- the club that Joksic left last month.

Chanatphol Sikkamonthol's early goal was enough to sink the Blue Dolphins, currently managed by former Chonburi boss, Jetsada Jitsawad, with former South Korean internationals Kim Tae-young and Kim Nam-il having turned down the opportunity to take over last week.

Joksic has a big job on his hands with the Swatcats still in the relegation zone and seeing attendances plummet. But the Serbian made the perfect start, with a much needed three points and a clean sheet.

4. Josimar's 'Panenka' highlights Army confidence

After a start to the season that suggested a relegation battle was ahead, Army United have slowly edged their way up the table. Saturday's 2-0 victory at home to Osotspa Samut Prakan was their third in four matches and their fifth match unbeaten.

Nipon Kamthoong opened the scoring when Osotspa keeper Chatchai Budprom allowed his low near-post shot to squirm under his body. Josimar Rodrigues sealed the points from the penalty spot as his dinked 'Panenka' made it eight for the season.

The Gentlemen now sit in ninth spot in the table but face a stiffer test next week when Muang Thong come to visit.

5. Surachat fills Ariel's boots

When Costa Rican striker Ariel Rodriguez left for the Copa America Centenario, it was expected that Bangkok Glass might struggle for goals in his absence.

His departure came as his side were on a bad run of results and the timing couldn't have been worse. Rodriguez scored for Los Ticos in a friendly before injury, unfortunately, ruled him out of the tournament in the USA and he remains on the sidelines.

But veteran striker Surcachat Sareepim struck twice on Saturday as the Glass Rabbits hit back from a goal down to defeat Sukhothai.

The former Thailand international is on loan from Police United and is proving a valuable addition to the squad, particularly with top scorer Rodriguez still unavailable.