Vietnamese-born Viktor Le shone as he scored the only goal of the match, leading Ha Tinh to a narrow 1-0 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) in the eighth round of the 2024-2025 V-League season.
Ha Tinh had a strong start to the season, defeating reigning champions Nam Dinh 1-0 and overcoming Da Nang 3-1. However, the team struggled with consistency, drawing five consecutive matches afterward. Despite being the league’s only unbeaten team, their run of stalemates prevented them from claiming the top spot. Ahead of their clash with HAGL, Ha Tinh’s management held a motivational meeting with the players, urging them to secure a victory and rejoin the title race.
Facing an in-form HAGL, who were buoyed by their recent win over Hanoi Police FC, Ha Tinh delivered a disciplined and effective performance. They controlled 53% of possession, registered six shots, and ultimately secured the win. Viktor Le, a Vietnamese-born player, became the hero when he soared above the defense to head in a precise cross from Dinh Tien in the 48th minute.
After taking the lead, Ha Tinh shifted their strategy, focusing on a solid defensive structure rather than pressing for another goal. HAGL, known for their defensive counter-attacking style, struggled to adapt when forced to chase the game. Despite dominating possession, the visitors found it hard to penetrate Ha Tinh’s resolute defense, led by the strong pairing of foreign defender Helerson and Vietnamese-born center-back Adou Minh.
HAGL’s best chance came in stoppage time through a moment of brilliance from Minh Vuong. His free-kick from outside the penalty area beat Ha Tinh’s goalkeeper but clattered off the crossbar, leaving the visitors frustrated.
The match ended 1-0, giving Ha Tinh a much-needed win to break their streak of draws and maintain their unbeaten record. The victory propelled them to second place with 14 points, just behind league leaders Thanh Hoa. Meanwhile, HAGL slipped to fifth with 12 points, reflecting the tight competition in the league.
Ha Tinh’s win showcased their ability to perform under pressure, reigniting their campaign and positioning them as serious contenders in this season’s V-League.
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