In a thrilling encounter on the evening of June 20, Binh Dinh FC overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Hanoi FC 4-2 at Quy Nhon Stadium, effectively ending Hanoi’s title aspirations in the Night Wolf V.League 1 – 2023/2024 season. Alan’s hat-trick and a stunning performance by the home team secured the crucial victory.
The match, a key fixture in Round 24, saw Binh Dinh, sitting on 40 points, face Hanoi FC, just one point behind. Both teams were aiming for a win to keep their title hopes alive, especially with Nam Dinh leading the league with 44 points. Despite taking an early lead, Hanoi FC succumbed to a relentless second-half onslaught from Binh Dinh.
Binh Dinh, known for their defensive and counter-attacking style, allowed Hanoi FC to dominate possession in the first half. In the 39th minute, a misplaced pass from Binh Dinh was capitalized on by Hanoi’s captain Nguyen Van Quyet, who coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Dang Van Lam to give the visitors the lead.
However, the dynamics shifted dramatically in the second half. Binh Dinh increased their tempo and pressed high, disrupting Hanoi’s defense. In the 58th minute, Vu Minh Tuan’s perseverance paid off as he assisted Alan for the equalizer. The Brazilian striker made no mistake, firing into the far corner to level the score.
Just two minutes later, another swift counter-attack from Binh Dinh saw their coordinated play leave Hanoi’s defense in disarray. Minh Tuan and Van Duc combined effectively, allowing Alan to finish calmly past Hanoi’s keeper Nguyen Van Hoang, turning the game around 2-1.
Hanoi FC, desperate to keep their title hopes alive, surged forward. Their efforts bore fruit in the 71st minute when Nguyen Hai Long’s cut-back found Van Quyet, who hammered the ball in off the crossbar to make it 2-2. It was Van Quyet’s third goal in two consecutive V.League matches.
Despite continuing to pressure Binh Dinh, Hanoi FC found Dang Van Lam in unbeatable form, making multiple crucial saves to deny the visitors. The game’s decisive moment came in the 83rd minute. Alan, now the provider, headed the ball down to Minh Tuan, who lobbed the ball over the advancing Van Hoang, restoring Binh Dinh’s lead to 3-2. Tuan, showing respect to his former club, chose not to celebrate the goal exuberantly.
Binh Dinh sealed their victory in the 87th minute when Alan, taking advantage of Van Quyet’s error, launched a long-range shot from his own half, catching Van Hoang off his line to complete his hat-trick and secure a memorable 4-2 win.
This victory propels Binh Dinh to 44 points, four points ahead of Hanoi FC and just four points behind league leaders Nam Dinh. With two rounds remaining, Binh Dinh still have a realistic chance of clinching the title, provided they continue their winning streak and Nam Dinh slip up.
The result underscores the unpredictability and excitement of the V.League, with Binh Dinh emerging as serious contenders in the race for the championship.
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