For the entirety of the group stage of the 2024-25 ASEAN Club Championship, Công An Hà Nội looked the team to beat.
From the moment they produced a huge upset by beating Buriram United in their opener, the Vietnamese outfit swept all that stood in their way -- becoming the only time to rack up five consecutive victories while scoring a tournament-high 15 goals and conceding just five.
It meant that, even though the representatives from Thai League 1 -- widely regarded as Southeast Asia's strongest domestic competition -- were the pre-tournament favourites, it did not take long for CAHN to loom as the strongest side from the last four.
But as the knockout round kicked off on Wednesday with the first legs of the semifinals, another has emerged as potentially the new champions-in-waiting.
And they are the very team that CAHN defeated right at the start.
As CAHN suffered a shock loss to Indonesia's PSM Makassar -- courtesy of Yuran Fernandes' 80th-minute winner -- Buriram cruised to a 3-1 victory over compatriots BG Pathum United to put themselves firmly on course for a place in the final.
In particular, it was the manner in which Buriram manufactured a crucial first-leg triumph that will now have onlookers really sitting up and taking notice.
Although both Thai sides were evenly matched on paper, it was Buriram who showed the greater poise and endeavour from the opening whistle -- buoyed by a partisan home crowd despite the game being held at the smaller, 8,000-capacity Khao Kradong Stadium and not their usual home that is the intimidating Chang Arena, which accommodates in excess of 32,000.
The hosts duly took the lead in the 24th minute when Supachai Jaided found space on the edge of the box and proceeded to fire away a shot that BGPU defender Nika Sandokhadze -- in an attempt to put in a block -- could only succeed in diverting the ball over his stranded goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.
With the likes of Chanathip Songkrasin and Sarach Yooyen in the engine room, BGPU were always going to be capable of mustering a response.
They did just that nine minutes after halftime although it came with a helping hand from former player Chatchai Budprom, who inexplicably fumbled a corner despite being under no pressure and allowed Ilhan Fandi to guide a header into the unguarded goal.
Just when it looked like the visitors would be gaining momentum, Buriram took just three minutes to restore their advantage from a corner of their own -- Pansa Hemviboon showing good strength to hold off his opponent before sidefooting a volley into the back of the net.
For all their well-drilled team play perfected under coach Osmar Loss' preferred 3-4-1-2 formation, Buriram also boast players capable of individual brilliance.
In the 74th minute, it was Guilherme Bissoli's turn to shine as he received possession down the left and, upon facing little resistance, cut infield and advanced towards goal before unleashing a stunning piledriver from all of 30 yards that had Saranon beaten all ends up.
A fine solo effort, and one that secured for his team a handy two-goal advantage ahead of the return encounter on May 7.
So, despite their initial slow start when they lost to CAHN, Buriram are now finding form at the right moment.
They are cruising to a fourth consecutive league crown and could yet claim a domestic treble given they remain in the hunt for both the FA Cup and League Cup.
They are also the last Southeast Asian side standing in the AFC Champions League Elite, through to a glamour quarterfinal against Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli.
And they are now the new frontrunners in the ASEAN Club Championship.