Hanoi, March 30, 2025 – On the evening of March 30, goals from Khuat Van Khang and Danh Trung propelled The Cong Viettel to a 2-0 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the National Cup 2024-2025 quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An secured their spot among the final four, overcoming Dong Thap 2-1 in a hard-fought clash.
Entering the quarterfinals, Hoang Anh Gia Lai struggled with form, earning just 2 points from their last 5 V-League matches. Their attack faltered, failing to score more than one goal in any of their past 6 league games, leaving them 11th with 13 points. Coach Le Quang Trai stressed a focus on the V-League’s remainder but vowed not to abandon the National Cup. In contrast, The Cong Viettel arrived in high spirits, sitting second in the V-League after a gritty away win against Binh Duong. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang’s side was favored heavily against Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
As expected, The Cong Viettel dominated possession in the first half at My Dinh Stadium, launching proactive attacks. They outshot HAGL 5-3, with three on target, but lacked precision in key moments. A glaring miss came in the 44th minute when Pedro Henrique’s incisive run and cutback set up Thanh Binh, who fluffed it wide. Earlier, at the 37th minute, Amarildo’s fierce shot was thwarted by Van Kien. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, sticking to their counterattacking roots, leaned on Minh Vuong in midfield. In the 27th minute, Minh Vuong pounced on a Viettel error and rifled a shot into the net, only for it to be disallowed—Chau Ngoc Quang, the passer, was offside.
Post-interval, Viettel’s grip tightened, piling pressure on Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s goal. Only Van Kien’s brilliance and luck kept the scoreline level early in the second half. The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute—Amarildo’s clever pass found Khuat Van Khang, who beat Van Kien to make it 1-0. Viettel pressed on, with Amarildo and Pedro Henrique spurning further chances. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, trailing, gambled with a higher line but lacked sophistication, their attacks easily snuffed out. In stoppage time, Danh Trung tapped in from close range, sealing a 2-0 win. Viettel advances to face the winner of Hanoi Police FC vs. Hai Phong on April 22, 2025.
Earlier, Song Lam Nghe An hosted Dong Thap at Vinh Stadium, buoyed by improving form and home advantage. Despite expectations of an easy win, Coach Phan Nhu Thuat’s men struggled. The first half saw Song Lam Nghe An hold 55% possession but muster only two wayward shots, while Dong Thap fired eight, nearly scoring in the 23rd minute—only Van Viet’s heroics denied Nhat Tam’s header. In the second half, Song Lam Nghe An ramped up, introducing attackers. At the 71st minute, Khac Ngoc’s cross met Xuan Dai’s deft finish for 1-0. Seven minutes later, young Dinh Xuan Tien doubled the lead. Dong Thap pulled one back via Nhat Dong in the 81st minute, but Song Lam Nghe An held firm for a 2-1 victory, setting up a semifinal clash with Binh Duong, who beat Ninh Binh on penalties the previous day.
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