Hanoi, May 2, 2025 – The Cong Viettel delivered a 6-0 rout of bottom-placed Da Nang FC at Hang Day Stadium on May 2 in Round 21 of the V.League 2024-2025, marking a spectacular debut for new coach Velizar Popov. The Bulgarian’s high-pressing style overwhelmed Da Nang FC, propelling The Cong Viettel to third with 36 points, per V.League standings.
Popov retained the lineup from their 1-0 win over Song Lam Nghe An in Round 20, with Nguyen Duc Chien returning as the sole change, replacing Tran Danh Trung. Expected to face a scrappy Da Nang FC, The Cong Viettel capitalized on their opponent’s errors. Early chances came thick and fast: in the 4th minute, Pedro Henrique’s cross found Wesley Wachholz, whose header was tipped away by Bui Tien Dung. Two minutes later, Nguyen Huu Thang’s chested control and volley narrowly missed.
The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when Da Nang FC’s Pham Van Huu miscued a clearance, gifting Huu Thang a close-range left-footed strike for 1-0. Three minutes later, Van Huu’s errant backpass was intercepted by Pedro, who raced past Nguyen Duc Anh and rifled a right-footed shot off the post to make it 2-0. By the 20th minute, Khuat Van Khang’s deft touch set up Huu Thang’s stunning left-footed volley into the top corner, leaving Tien Dung helpless at 3-0. Tien Dung nearly scored an own goal when Huu Thang’s audacious 50-meter lob hit his chest, but the keeper recovered, per match stats.
The second half saw The Cong Viettel, fueled by Hanoi Police FC-like intensity, pile on three more. In the 53rd minute, Wesley Wachholz nodded in Khuat Van Khang’s corner. Nguyen Hoang Duc, echoing Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s flair, curled a 25-meter free-kick in the 67th minute for 5-0. Substitute Tran Danh Trung capped the rout in the 82nd minute, tapping in Pedro’s low cross. Da Nang FC, with one shot on target, collapsed under Popov’s pressing, akin to Song Lam Nghe An’s youth-driven tenacity.
Huu Thang’s brace and assist earned him Man of the Match, with 12 goals this season, per VFF. The 12,000 fans at Hang Day, rivaling Nam Dinh FC’s fervor, roared as The Cong Viettel closed the gap to leaders Nam Dinh FC (42 points). Da Nang FC, with 12 points, remain last, facing Ho Chi Minh City FC next. The Cong Viettel’s National Cup semifinal against Hanoi Police FC looms, with Popov’s debut signaling a title charge, mirroring Becamex Binh Duong’s 2023 surge.
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