
Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory over Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) in the second round of V-League 2024-2025 on September 21, maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
After a resounding 4-0 win over Quang Nam in their opening match, HAGL returned home to face their old rivals SLNA, a team that had historically been a tough opponent. In 20 previous encounters, SLNA had won 12, drawn six, and lost only two. In their last five meetings, SLNA had won four and lost just once. Both teams fielded young squads, with an average age of 22.5 for SLNA and 25.9 for HAGL.
SLNA entered the match without their foreign player Zaracho, who was suspended following a red card in their previous game. They were also missing key players such as Le Nguyen Hoang, Tran Dinh Hoang, and Phan Ba Quyen due to injuries. Despite these absences, SLNA played aggressively, with Thomas Kuku leading their attack. However, the chances they created were not particularly dangerous.
On the other hand, HAGL focused on exploiting the left flank through the dynamic play of Tran Bao Toan, Jeferson, and Tran Minh Vuong. In the 15th minute, Jeferson set up Marciel with a great chance, but the shot was too weak and easily saved by SLNA goalkeeper Van Viet. Ten minutes later, from another cross by Bao Toan, Minh Vuong hesitated between controlling the ball or shooting, and the opportunity was lost.
HAGL’s persistence in attacking from the wings paid off in the 35th minute. From a left-wing combination, Bao Toan crossed into the box, and Chau Ngoc Quang rose to head the ball into the far corner, beating Van Viet to open the scoring. This marked Ngoc Quang’s second goal in as many games, while Bao Toan recorded his third assist of the season.
SLNA had opportunities to respond, but Kuku and Quang Tu were denied by HAGL goalkeeper Trung Kien. Just before halftime, HAGL nearly doubled their lead. From a corner, Bao Toan’s shot forced Van Viet to make a save, and Ngoc Quang pounced on the rebound to score. However, the goal was ruled offside after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), marking the first use of VAR at Pleiku Stadium.
At the start of the second half, HAGL coach Le Quang Trai replaced Jeferson with Nguyen Quoc Viet, a U23 Vietnam international. Quoc Viet immediately brought energy and creativity to the right wing, almost making an impact with his runs. In the 54th minute, he set up Minh Vuong for a shot, but Van Viet saved it comfortably.
HAGL, now in the lead, shifted to a defensive stance, allowing SLNA to press forward. Despite several defensive errors from HAGL, SLNA couldn’t capitalize on their chances. On the contrary, HAGL’s counterattacks proved more dangerous. In the 61st minute, Ngoc Quang was one-on-one with Van Viet, but the SLNA goalkeeper made a crucial save. Thirteen minutes later, Quoc Viet’s shot from a tight angle was also saved by Van Viet.
As SLNA pushed forward desperately in the closing stages, they were caught out on the break. In the 90+4th minute, Quoc Viet broke through the SLNA defense and set up Marciel, who unselfishly passed to Thanh Son to tap the ball into the net, sealing the 2-0 win for HAGL.
After two rounds, HAGL lead the V-League with six points, having scored six goals without conceding any. In the third round, HAGL will host defending champions Nam Dinh at Pleiku Stadium on September 28. Meanwhile, SLNA, with just one point from two games, will face Hong Linh Ha Tinh at Vinh Stadium on September 29.
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