Buriram, 21 May, 2025 – Hanoi Police FC missed the opportunity to win the ASEAN Club Championship after a dramatic loss in the second leg of the final (3-3 draw, 2-3 defeat on penalties) against Buriram United at Chang Arena on May 21, 2025.
One of the key factors that helped Hanoi Police FC draw 2-2 and nearly defeat Buriram United in the first leg was their well-organized and disciplined team structure. Under the guidance of Coach Alexandre Polking, his players adhered strictly to their tactical plan, maintaining good spacing and fluid transitions between attack and defense. Despite having less possession, the Vietnamese representatives showed their ability to penetrate Buriram’s defense when the opportunity arose.
This strategy continued to prove effective in the first half of the second leg, played under heavy rain at Chang Arena. Buriram piled pressure on Hanoi Police FC, with their attacking trio of Guilherme Bissoli, Theerathon Bunmathan, and Supachai Jaided controlling the game and attacking the wings. However, just like in the first leg, possession wasn’t an issue for Coach Polking’s side. With a well-structured defense, Hanoi Police FC was able to thwart Buriram’s attacking advances, even when the home team dominated possession.
On the counter-attack, Hanoi Police FC was sharp, and their few but high-quality attacking moves paid off. The goal from Cao Pendant Quang Vinh was a prime example. In the 15th minute, Leo Artur sent a through ball to Quang Hai, who cleverly flicked the ball with his heel to set up Quang Vinh, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom.
Coach Polking had focused on precision in passing, knowing that against a team like Buriram—who often holds 60-65% of the possession—Hanoi Police FC would have limited time on the ball. Yet, the team’s preparation paid off with quick counter-attacks and well-timed forward runs from the defenders.
When Quang Vinh surged forward to score, central defender Hugo Gomes earned a penalty for Hanoi Police FC after a handball in the box in the 36th minute. Leo Artur converted the penalty to give Hanoi Police FC a 2-0 lead, marking a rare occasion this season where Buriram found themselves trailing by such a margin at home.
The game played out as expected from then on, with Hanoi Police FC retreating into a defensive setup while Buriram pushed forward. The central defensive trio of Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Hugo Gomes, and Tran Dinh Trong played solidly, providing support and covering each other effectively, making it difficult for Buriram’s key players like Bissoli and Peter Zulj to break through.
When the defense was breached, goalkeeper Nguyen Filip stepped up. The 1992-born goalkeeper made four crucial saves, showing his great ability to read the game and dealing well with aerial threats from Buriram. His composure and experience, honed through appearances in the Europa League, strengthened Hanoi Police FC’s resolve against the intense pressure from thousands of Buriram fans at Chang Arena.
However, as the second half progressed, Hanoi Police FC began to tire, while Buriram’s foreign players like Bissoli and Lucas Crispim remained strong. Leo Artur and Vitao were substituted, leaving gaps that the young players could not fill. In the 83rd minute, Peter Zulj scored for Buriram with a well-executed turn and left-footed shot. Just minutes later, in the 90+4th minute, Hanoi Police FC had a sharp counter-attack with a 2-on-1 situation, but the referee whistled for an offside, denying Hanoi Police FC the opportunity. In the very next minute, Buriram equalized with a stunning free-kick from Lucas Crispim, which hit the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
The dramatic turnaround continued in extra time, where Bissoli converted a penalty in the 104th minute after a handball by Giap Tuan Duong. Yet, Hanoi Police FC’s persistence paid off in the final moments when Alan Grafite headed in a goal to make it 3-3. However, in the penalty shootout, Viet Anh, Hugo Gomes, and Quang Vinh all missed their penalties, and despite two saves from goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, Buriram ultimately won 3-2 on penalties.
Although Hanoi Police FC did not win the championship, their journey in the AFC Champions League Two was memorable. Coach Polking’s team won all five of their group stage matches against Buriram, Lion City Sailors, Kaya FC, Kuala Lumpur FC, and Borneo Samarinda. In the semi-finals, Hanoi Police FC defeated Indonesia’s PSM Makassar 2-1 on aggregate before falling short in the final against Buriram.
Despite not winning the title, Hanoi Police FC’s serious investment and preparation for international competition were clear. Even with a packed schedule in the V.League and National Cup, the 2023 champions were eager to play an additional 9 matches in the AFC Champions League Two, showing their relentless desire to continue competing for the trophy. This spirit is something all Vietnamese teams need as they step onto the continental or Southeast Asian stage.
Hanoi Police FC still has two objectives for the current season: to win the National Cup, where they will face The Cong Viettel in the semi-finals, and to finish in the top 3 of the V.League.
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