Nguyen Tien Linh starred with two goals and an assist as Binh Duong dominated Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) in a resounding 4-1 victory in Round Six of the LPBank V-League 2024-2025 season on November 2. This crucial win elevates Binh Duong to the top of the standings, tied on points with Thanh Hoa, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, The Cong, and Nam Dinh but leading on goal difference.
Ahead of this match, Binh Duong had shown inconsistent form, recording one win, one draw, and two losses in their last four matches. This shaky start had placed head coach Hoang Anh Tuan under scrutiny, particularly as Binh Duong made significant investments in the squad with high expectations this season.
In contrast, HAGL entered the match unbeaten, with two wins and three draws, supported by a resilient defense that had only conceded two goals. The team from the Central Highlands also boasted a strong record in recent head-to-head encounters with Binh Duong, winning three and drawing two in their last five meetings, including two victories at Binh Duong’s home ground, Go Dau Stadium.
HAGL took an early lead in the 23rd minute. From a corner by Tran Minh Vuong, defender Ly Duc rose high to direct a header into the corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. However, this was the only bright moment for HAGL, as Binh Duong quickly took control with relentless attacking play.
Binh Duong dominated the opening stages with three solid chances within the first 15 minutes, but both Vo Hoang Minh Khoa and Bui Vi Hao missed narrowly. Binh Duong was awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Dung Quang Nho handled the ball inside the box, but Tien Linh’s penalty struck the post.
Undeterred, Tien Linh redeemed himself just three minutes later, shaking off Ly Duc to fire a powerful shot from a tight angle, equalizing at 1-1. In stoppage time of the first half, Tien Linh struck again, cutting in from the right and aiming a low shot that slipped through HAGL goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien’s grasp, putting Binh Duong ahead 2-1.
HAGL’s defense continued to struggle in the second half, frequently leaving gaps. In the 59th minute, Viet Cuong capitalized on HAGL’s lax defending, taking advantage of the space to unleash a long-range strike into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-1.
Six minutes later, another defensive lapse allowed Tien Linh to head a pass back to Minh Khoa, who, left unmarked, bypassed Quang Nho and slotted the ball into the far corner to make it 4-1. HAGL pushed forward in a bid to reduce the deficit but struggled with hurried and ineffective attacks. In the 83rd minute, Minh Khoa appeared to have scored a fifth goal for Binh Duong, but VAR intervened, ruling it out due to a prior foul.
The final 4-1 scoreline was enough to catapult Binh Duong to the top of the V-League standings. HAGL, on the other hand, slipped to sixth place with nine points. Binh Duong’s emphatic win highlights their potential as title contenders, while HAGL will need to regroup quickly to stay in the top ranks.
In Round Seven on November 9, HAGL will return home to face Hanoi Police FC, while Binh Duong travels to Da Nang. With both teams eager to secure points, the upcoming matches are poised to be competitive as the season gains momentum.
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