The battle for the Bhutan Premier League 2026 title is getting tighter as the first round moves towards its finish. With only a few points separating the teams, every match is now crucial as clubs fight to improve their position before the second half of the season begins.
RTC FC and Tsirang FC became the first two teams to complete their first-round fixtures yesterday after playing all nine matches. Their final game ended in an exciting 3-3 draw at the Tsirang Artificial Turf.
Tsirang FC started strong, scoring in the opening minute before doubling their lead in the 28th minute. RTC FC pulled one back soon after, but Tsirang restored their two-goal advantage with another goal in the 30th minute. The first half ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.
RTC FC came back stronger after the break. They scored in the 62nd minute and completed the comeback with an equaliser in the 75th minute, forcing the match to end in a draw.
The result saw RTC FC finish the first round in fourth place with 14 points from nine matches, while Tsirang FC currently sit sixth with 11 points.
At the top of the table, defending champions Paro FC continue to lead the race. They secured a convincing 4-nil win over Tensung FC at the Woochu Sports Arena in their eighth match of the season. Paro FC now have 19 points from eight matches, with six wins, one draw and one defeat. They will play their final first-round match against Thimphu FC at Changlimithang Stadium on Thursday.
Thimphu City FC remain close behind in second place with 17 points. They defeated Tsirang FC 2-1 in their eighth match at Changlimithang Stadium and will face Tensung FC on Wednesday at the Military Training Campus Ground.
Transport United FC are third with 15 points from eight matches. They kept their hopes alive with a 4-2 victory over BFF Academy Under-20 and will take on Ugyen Academy FC in their final first-round fixture at the Ugyen Academy Artificial Turf.
Thimphu FC are fifth with 13 points and have a chance to climb higher as they still have a match in hand. Their recent 2-1 victory over Drukpa FC has kept them within reach of the top teams.
The middle of the table remains closely contested. BFF Academy Under-20 are seventh with 10 points, while Drukpa FC are eighth with nine points. Both teams have one match remaining and will be looking to secure a strong finish in the first round.
Meanwhile, Tensung FC and Ugyen Academy FC continue to struggle at the bottom of the table. Tensung FC have five points from eight matches, while Ugyen Academy FC have collected three points so far.
With several teams still having matches to play, the first-round standings remain open to change. The remaining fixtures will be crucial not only for the title contenders but also for teams fighting to improve their positions before the league enters the second round.
Karma Wangdi
