Hanoi Police FC continued their strong run, securing a decisive 3-0 win over newly-promoted Da Nang at Hang Day Stadium in Round 6 of the V-League 2024-2025 on November 4. Building on last week’s impressive 3-0 victory over defending champions Nam Dinh, Hanoi Police FC leveraged home advantage to move to the top of the standings, now leading on goal difference over Thanh Hoa.
Despite the final scoreline, Hanoi Police FC faced a challenging first half against a resilient Da Nang side known for their physical style. Da Nang surprised Hanoi Police FC by positioning center-back Marlon Rangel as a defensive midfielder tasked with marking creative players such as Leonardo Artur and Nguyen Quang Hai closely. This strategy led to numerous clashes, particularly between Rangel and Hanoi Police FC’s playmakers, including Hugo Gomes and Quang Hai, resulting in physical confrontations early in the second half.
Da Nang had opportunities to capitalize on their defensive efforts and could have taken the lead. In the 47th minute, Werick Caetano made a deft outside-foot pass, setting up Pham Dinh Duy, whose shot from inside the box was saved by Hanoi Police FC goalkeeper Nguyen Filip. Dinh Duy had another chance in the 59th minute, breaking the offside trap, but his left-footed shot narrowly missed the far post.
These close calls highlighted Da Nang’s determined performance, even as they faced severe roster setbacks. Before the match, first-choice goalkeeper Phan Van Bieu was sidelined with an injury. Backup keeper Dang Tuan Hung also exited the match due to an injury in the 22nd minute, prompting Da Nang to field third-string goalkeeper Pham Van Cuong with no backup. Additionally, forward Yuri Mamute was forced off with a muscle strain just 29 minutes into the game, replaced by Pham Dinh Duy. After the match, club chairman Do Quang Hien awarded the team 300 million VND for their spirited display.
Hanoi Police FC head coach Mano Polking made tactical adjustments at the start of the second half, moving Vu Van Thanh to left-back and introducing forward Nguyen Dinh Bac. This change proved effective, allowing Leonardo Artur to exploit open space. In the 64th minute, Artur dribbled along the left flank, shifted to his right, and drilled a low shot into the near corner to open the scoring. This goal marked Artur’s fifth consecutive match with a goal for Hanoi Police FC.
Artur’s goal alleviated pressure on the home team, and Hanoi Police FC continued to dominate. In the 72nd minute, Artur delivered a cross from the left wing to the far post, where Alan Sebastiao headed the ball in to double Hanoi Police FC’s lead. Ten minutes later, Alan returned the favor, providing a precise cross for Artur to slot home from close range, securing his second goal of the match. This tally brought Artur’s season total to nine goals in eight games, tying him with Nguyen Tien Linh atop the V-League scoring chart with six league goals each.
Artur had an opportunity for a hat-trick after winning a penalty in the 89th minute but missed the shot. Though Le Van Do followed up with a rebound, the goal was disallowed due to offside.
Throughout the match, the broadcast cameras frequently captured Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, Luong Tam Quang, applauding from the VIP box, alongside club chairman Do Quang Hien, who shared in the celebrations.
This victory propels Hanoi Police FC to 11 points, edging out Thanh Hoa on goal difference (+6 versus +5). Da Nang, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the standings with three points, level with Hai Phong but behind on goal difference (-6 compared to -4). Both clubs, along with Song Lam Nghe An, are still searching for their first win of the season.
Looking ahead to Round 7, Hanoi Police FC will face a tough away fixture against Hoang Anh Gia Lai on November 9, aiming to solidify their lead atop the V-League standings.
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