After a six-match drought without scoring, Ho Chi Minh City FC shocked Hanoi Police FC (Hanoi Police) with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Round 8 of the V-League 2024-2025 season on November 14.
Having struggled to find the net since Round 3, Ho Chi Minh City FC entered the match as underdogs against a star-studded Hanoi Police lineup. However, two second-half goals by the home team turned the tide.
In the 57th minute, Ho Chi Minh City shifted their attack to the left wing. Phan Nhat Thanh Long controlled the ball and shot inside the box, deflecting off Phan Van Duc and rebounding off the post. Erik Sorga capitalized with a close-range header to open the scoring.
Fourteen minutes later, Ho Chi Minh City doubled their lead. A precise cross from Thanh Long into the penalty area caused panic in the Hanoi Police defense. Defender Hoang Van Toan inadvertently headed the ball back toward his goal, forcing goalkeeper Nguyen Filip to scramble. After regaining control, Bui Ngoc Long curved a stunning shot from near the touchline into the top left corner, leaving Filip helpless.
Hanoi Police dominated the early stages of the match, creating several chances but failing to convert. In the 20th minute, Hugo Gomes delivered a perfect cross to Leonardo Artur, whose one-touch shot was denied by Patrik Le Giang’s brilliant save. Later, Artur struck the crossbar with a fierce effort in the 38th minute.
A pivotal moment occurred early in the second half when referee Tran Dinh Thinh had to hand over officiating duties to fourth official Tran Ngoc Nho due to health issues. This coincided with Ho Chi Minh City seizing momentum.
Hanoi Police managed to equalize briefly in the 65th minute. Receiving a clever pass from Nguyen Quang Hai, Artur took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner. It marked his seventh goal of the season, tying him with Nguyen Tien Linh of Binh Duong as the league’s top scorer.
Despite late pressure and heated exchanges on the field, Hanoi Police could not find a second goal. Ho Chi Minh City’s defense stood firm, while goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang pulled off a critical save in the 90th minute to preserve the win.
This result marks a turning point for Ho Chi Minh City FC, lifting them to 10th place with seven points. Hanoi Police, however, dropped to eighth with 11 points, six behind league leaders Thanh Hoa.
In Round 9, Hanoi Police will host Binh Dinh on November 20, while Ho Chi Minh City FC travels to face an unbeaten Ha Tinh.
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