Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) suffered their second consecutive loss in V-League 2024-2025, falling 2-0 to Hai Phong at Lach Tray Stadium on November 19. Defensive lapses and a toothless attack marked a disappointing evening for the visitors, who are now out of the league’s top group.
Before the match, speculation arose about the likelihood of HAGL losing, fueled by the peculiar history between the two teams. In past encounters, either side often secured crucial wins when in desperate need of points. Heading into the game, Hai Phong were winless this season, sitting bottom of the table with just four points from eight rounds. Meanwhile, HAGL’s performance had faltered after a loss to Ha Tinh in the previous round.
In a puzzling move, HAGL benched several key players, including goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, midfielder Chau Ngoc Quang, and forward Marciel. Without a foreign striker, HAGL struggled to pose any offensive threat. Hai Phong, by contrast, capitalized on the visitors’ defensive disarray to dominate proceedings.
The home side’s first big chance came in the 27th minute when Lucao was brought down in the box by Jairo, resulting in a penalty. However, Lucao’s spot-kick lacked precision and was saved by debutant goalkeeper Duong Van Loi.
HAGL’s reprieve was short-lived. In the 37th minute, a corner kick from Hai Phong led to a towering header from Bicou, taking advantage of Van Loi’s misjudged positioning. The hosts doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when HAGL’s defense carelessly lost possession near their box. Lucao set up Huu Son, who slotted home into the far corner.
Despite introducing Marciel in the second half, HAGL failed to generate meaningful chances. Misplaced passes and poor decision-making marred their efforts, with even experienced players like Tran Minh Vuong opting for speculative long-range shots instead of creating opportunities for teammates.
Hai Phong remained the more dangerous side, creating several chances to extend their lead, but profligate finishing left the scoreline at 2-0. The win ended Hai Phong’s winless streak, lifting them to 12th place. Meanwhile, HAGL dropped to mid-table with 12 points after back-to-back defeats.
Elsewhere, Song Lam Nghe An suffered a crushing 5-0 loss to The Cong, while Quang Nam held Hanoi FC to a 1-1 draw at Hoa Xuan Stadium.
Following Round 9, the V-League will pause for the AFF Cup 2024, with matches set to resume in early 2025.
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