Defending champions Nam Dinh dominated possession and created multiple chances but could only manage a 0-0 draw against Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) in the early match of V-League 2024-2025’s third round on the afternoon of September 28 at Pleiku Stadium.
The match promised to be intense for several reasons. Nam Dinh, as the reigning champions, faced HAGL, who had been in excellent form, winning their first two matches without conceding a goal. Adding to the drama, Nam Dinh’s lineup featured former HAGL stars Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, and Nguyen Van Toan.
However, despite the anticipation, the game ended goalless after more than 90 minutes. HAGL coach Nguyen Quang Trai had vowed to make Nam Dinh’s trip a difficult one, and rather than playing their usual attacking game, his team focused on defense with a 5-4-1 formation. Nam Dinh, on the other hand, struggled to find the fluidity and sharpness necessary to break through HAGL’s defense.
In the first half, Nam Dinh controlled nearly 60% of possession but only created one notable chance. In the 7th minute, Van Toan twisted past Jairo near HAGL’s goal, but his hesitation allowed Phan Du Hoc to make a crucial clearance. About five minutes later, HAGL responded with a header that hit the crossbar. The half ended uneventfully, aside from a minor incident where Tran Minh Vuong accidentally kicked former teammate Tuan Anh in the chest. The referee consulted VAR but did not issue a red card, and the half concluded.
In the second half, Nam Dinh coach Vu Hong Viet brought on Nguyen Van Vi to replace Ly Cong Hoang Anh on the left wing and pushed his team forward. Nam Dinh enjoyed around 65% possession, consistently playing in HAGL’s half. However, they were unable to break the deadlock. The visitors’ best chances came from Rafaelson, who had two key opportunities. His first shot went straight at goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, and his second, a header, bounced off the ground and was saved.
Rafaelson, the top scorer of the 2023-2024 season with 31 goals, had a standout performance in Nam Dinh’s 2-0 win over Lee Man in the AFC Champions League Two, contributing a goal and an assist. However, after finalizing his naturalization as Nguyen Xuan Son, the Brazilian-born forward has struggled to find the back of the net. He was kept quiet in Nam Dinh’s 1-0 win over Quang Nam in the previous round and once again faced difficulties against HAGL’s strong defense, with opponents marking him tightly throughout the game.
As Rafaelson was heavily marked, Coach Vu Hong Viet substituted midfielder Hendrio and brought on striker Hoang Minh Tuan to play two forwards. He also introduced Ho Khac Ngoc to increase creativity in midfield. Despite these efforts, Nam Dinh could not break through HAGL’s defense.
Though they couldn’t secure a win, HAGL remain at the top of the table with seven points, three points clear of Nam Dinh. Coach Vu Hong Viet’s team will now return home to Thiên Trường Stadium to face Bangkok United from Thailand in the second round of the AFC Champions League Two on October 2.
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