Nam Dinh, 18 May, 2025 – On May 18, 2025, Nam Dinh triumphed over Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) with a resounding 6-1 victory at Thiên Trường Stadium in round 23 of the 2024-2025 V.League season. This result significantly boosted Nam Dinh’s chances of securing the league title, while HAGL continued to struggle in their fight against relegation.
Nam Dinh, in their pursuit of the title, fielded a strong lineup, while HAGL opted for a more experimental approach, leaving several key players, such as Marciel Silva, Washington Brandao, Le Van Son, and Tran Bao Toan, on the bench. The absence of Chau Ngoc Quang due to suspension also weakened their squad. Coach Le Quang Trai gave younger players a chance, introducing four players born after 2005, including Nguyen Minh Tam, Hoang Minh Tien (2005), Dinh Quang Kiet (2007), and Tran Gia Bao (2008). This decision, however, had consequences, as HAGL struggled to compete from the outset.
The match saw a packed Thien Truong Stadium, as Nam Dinh continued their tradition of offering free tickets to fans, creating an electric atmosphere. The home team wasted no time, opening the scoring just five minutes into the match. From a right-wing corner, Nguyen Van Vi delivered a cross into the box, where Romulo’s header was saved by goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, but Ngo Duc Huy was on hand to score from the rebound.
However, just five minutes later, HAGL managed to level the score. Duc Huy made a mistake by fouling Tran Gia Bao in the penalty area, and referee Tran Dinh Thinh awarded a penalty. Jairo Filho stepped up and sent the ball straight down the middle, deceiving goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh to equalize for the visitors. Despite this, it was the only moment of surprise from HAGL in what would be a one-sided affair.
The home team quickly regained control. In the 23rd minute, Nam Dinh launched a swift counterattack, and Van Toan sent a cross into the box from the right. Filho’s header cleared the ball, only for it to fall perfectly for Caio Cesar, who smashed it into the bottom left corner with a left-footed curl, giving Nam Dinh a 2-1 lead. In the 34th minute, a beautiful combination between two former HAGL players, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and Van Toan, resulted in another goal. Hong Duy’s cross from the left found Van Toan, who volleyed the ball with the outside of his right foot into the bottom corner. The goal was not celebrated by the striker, as this marked his first goal against his former team since leaving HAGL at the start of the 2023 season, and his ninth goal for Nam Dinh.
The nightmare for HAGL continued in the 36th minute when Van Vi, receiving a long pass, cleverly shielded the ball to win a penalty after being fouled by 18-year-old Dinh Quang Kiet. Brenner calmly converted the penalty, scoring Nam Dinh’s fourth goal.
With a three-goal lead, Nam Dinh was able to play with more comfort in the second half. While they didn’t press aggressively, they still created chances. In the 54th minute, a brilliant sequence of passes between Brazilian trio Caio Cesar, Romulo, and Brenner resulted in another goal. Brenner, receiving the ball inside the box on the left, executed a low shot into the near corner to complete his brace.
The final goal of the match came in the 81st minute, also from a former HAGL player. Van Vi flicked the ball with his heel for Brenner, who then made a precise pass with the outside of his right foot to Tran Van Kien on the right wing. Kien calmly passed it to Nguyen Tuan Anh, who placed the ball beautifully past Trung Kien with a curling shot. This was Tuan Anh’s first goal for Nam Dinh in the V.League, and like Van Toan, he did not celebrate his goal out of respect for his former team.
With this victory, Nam Dinh extended their unbeaten streak to five matches against HAGL, including two wins. They now lead the table with 48 points and need just four more points to secure the V.League title. In the event of a tie in points with Hanoi FC, Nam Dinh would still finish top due to their superior head-to-head record (having won both encounters this season, 2-1 and 3-0).
Nam Dinh’s final three fixtures of the season are away against Song Lam Nghe An, away against Quang Nam, and at home against Ha Tinh. Hanoi FC, on the other hand, will face Hanoi Police FC away, The Cong at home, and Binh Dinh away. The title race is set to go down to the wire.
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