Defending champions Nam Dinh delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Da Nang in Round 8 of the V-League 2024-2025 on November 15, marking their fifth consecutive win across all competitions.
Despite missing key players such as suspended Caio and fielding just two foreign players—defender Lucas and forward Mpande—Nam Dinh dominated on home turf at Thien Truong Stadium. With Nguyen Van Toan and naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) starting on the bench due to fitness concerns, coach Vu Hong Viet’s side still managed 13 shots on goal and secured an emphatic win.
Nam Dinh broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through a moment of brilliance from Mpande. The Ugandan forward curled a stunning shot from outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Thanh Binh no chance. The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 39th minute when Hoang Anh chipped the ball over Thanh Binh, who managed a fingertip save to deny the goal.
Coach Vu Hong Viet introduced Van Vi and Xuan Son at the start of the second half, and the substitutions paid off instantly. Just three minutes after coming on, Van Vi delivered a perfect cross for Xuan Son to head in from two meters, extending the lead to 2-0. Four minutes later, Van Vi showcased his talent with a solo run, breaking Da Nang’s offside trap before coolly slotting the ball past Thanh Binh for the third goal.
The changes continued to bear fruit as Vu Hong Viet brought on Van Toan and Khac Ngoc, who combined for the fourth goal in the 67th minute. Van Toan drove to the byline and pulled the ball back for Khac Ngoc to finish clinically.
Nam Dinh capped the night with a fifth goal in added time. Thanh Binh parried Mpande’s close-range effort, but the rebound fell perfectly to Xuan Son, who tapped into an open net. Overjoyed, Xuan Son celebrated by removing his jersey, earning a yellow card.
Xuan Son, last season’s Golden Boot winner with a record 31 goals, had struggled with form and fitness this season. His brace against Da Nang brings him to two league goals this campaign, marking a return to form.
The win moves Nam Dinh to second place in the league with 16 points, just one point behind leaders Thanh Hoa. The team’s resurgence includes four consecutive league wins and a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Tampines Rovers in the AFC Champions League, keeping them unbeaten in the continental competition and on course for the knockout stages.
Nam Dinh’s strong form highlights their potential to defend their title, with coach Vu Hong Viet’s tactical acumen and player rotation proving key to their success.
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