Hanoi Police FC secured their first win of the 2024-2025 V-League season with a 1-0 victory over Binh Duong on September 30, despite a controversial incident involving defender Giap Tuan Duong, who was only shown a yellow card for a two-footed tackle.
The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time when Quang Hai’s misplaced pass forced Tuan Duong into a challenge with Binh Duong’s Abdurakhmanov Alisherovich. The Binh Duong player reached the ball first, but Tuan Duong followed through with a two-footed tackle. Referee Le Vu Linh consulted the VAR and reviewed the footage for two minutes before issuing a yellow card, much to the frustration of the Binh Duong bench. Tuan Duong was later substituted in the 58th minute by Le Van Do.
The decision to only give a yellow card sparked debate, especially since similar challenges had resulted in straight red cards earlier in the same round. Binh Dinh’s Cao Van Trien was sent off for a tackle on Duc Chien, and Nguyen Thanh Khoi of Ho Chi Minh City FC was dismissed for a challenge on Van Tung in their 2-0 loss to Hanoi FC.
The match saw Hanoi Police FC face continued difficulties in the V-League after a slow start to the season, with a loss to Ha Tinh and a draw against Hai Phong. This contrasted sharply with their success in the ASEAN Club Championship, where they recorded impressive wins over Buriram United and Lion City Sailors.
For this match, Hanoi Police FC switched to a back-three formation, welcoming back Bui Hoang Viet Anh from a knee injury, alongside Tuan Duong and Hugo Gomes. Coach Mano Polking anticipated the threat posed by Binh Duong’s attacking trio of Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong, Tien Linh, and Bui Vi Hao, who are known for their speed.
The home side created the first notable chance when Leonardo Artur’s curling shot went wide. Quang Hai also tested the defense but was thwarted by Vo Minh Trong’s timely clearance after beating Que Ngoc Hai.
Binh Duong gradually found their rhythm and used counterattacks to threaten Hanoi Police FC. Bui Vi Hao had a golden chance in the 29th minute, breaking past Hugo Gomes and setting up Viet Cuong, whose shot narrowly missed the target. Just before halftime, Bui Vi Hao again combined with Tien Linh, only for Tung Quoc’s shot to miss the mark.
In the second half, Binh Duong’s Tien Linh missed a header in the 51st minute, and from then on, Hanoi Police FC dominated. Hugo Gomes came closest to scoring when his header struck the crossbar, but Artur Leonardo failed to capitalize on the rebound.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Dinh Bac’s pass found Leonardo Artur, who played a one-two with Quang Hai before unleashing a shot. Que Ngoc Hai’s deflection sent the ball past goalkeeper Minh Toan. It was Leonardo Artur’s fifth goal in three games.
Hanoi Police FC held on for a 1-0 win, earning their first V-League points of the season. They now sit in sixth place with four points, level with Binh Duong, but behind on goal difference.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai leads the standings with seven points, level with Ha Tinh, but with a superior goal difference of +6 compared to Ha Tinh’s +3. At the bottom of the table, Da Nang has just one point, with Song Lam Nghe An one spot above them with two points.
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