Chengdu Rongcheng secured a historic milestone in Asian football with a decisive 3-0 victory over Thailand's Bangkok United in the AFC Champions League Elite qualifier. The match, held at Phoenix Hill Football Stadium, marked the Chinese Super League (CSL) club's first-ever qualification for Asia's top-tier competition.
Founded in 2018 with ambitious goals to reach the CSL and continental tournaments within years, Rongcheng's rapid rise culminated in their 2024 third-place CSL finish. Their disciplined performance against Bangkok United showcased strategic teamwork, with Brazilian striker Felipe netting two goals and midfielder Yang Mingyang opening the scoring through a 68th-minute header.
A record-breaking crowd of 41,713 fans witnessed the breakthrough moment, underscoring growing enthusiasm for football in western China. The victory positions Chengdu Rongcheng among Asia's elite clubs, offering new opportunities for regional sports diplomacy and commercial partnerships.
Analysts suggest the achievement could boost Chengdu's profile as an emerging hub for sports tourism and international business exchanges. For diaspora communities and global football enthusiasts, Rongcheng's success story highlights China's expanding influence in Asian sports culture.
