Hanoi, 22 August, 2025 – The Cong Viettel delivered a commanding performance on home soil, defeating Ho Chi Minh City Police FC 3-0 in an impressive display of dominance. Right from the opening whistle, the military team seized control of the match, maintaining possession and applying heavy pressure on goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang.
The early stages saw Pedro and Lucao both come close to scoring but fail to convert their opportunities. The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when defender Matheus Felipe handled the ball inside the box. After consulting VAR, the referee awarded a penalty to The Cong Viettel. Pedro stepped up and confidently converted, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
Conceding the opener forced Ho Chi Minh City Police FC to push their lines higher in search of an equalizer. However, their hurried approach often broke down against the well-organized defense of The Cong Viettel. The visiting attackers, led by Nguyen Tien Linh, struggled to find clear openings despite their increased possession.
The tempo rose after halftime, with Lucao continuing to be heavily involved in Viettel’s attacks. The Brazilian forward created several dangerous moments but lacked precision in his finishing. His biggest miss came in the 76th minute when he smashed a clear chance against the post, leaving the home supporters in disbelief.
Coach Popov’s substitutions proved decisive in the closing stages. In the 82nd minute, substitute Damian Vu capitalized on a defensive error from the visitors to slot home, doubling The Cong Viettel’s advantage at 2-0. That goal lifted the home side’s energy further, while Ho Chi Minh City Police FC looked increasingly frustrated and exposed at the back.
In stoppage time, Lucao finally found his reward. Using his strength and pace, he charged into the penalty area, skillfully evaded defenders, and fired a powerful left-footed strike into the net, sealing a deserved 3-0 victory. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC’s last attempt to salvage some pride came in the 90+2 minute when Nguyen Tien Linh unleashed a shot, but his effort was blocked by a well-timed defensive intervention.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 win for The Cong Viettel, a result that highlighted both their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. For Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, it was a night of frustration, marked by missed chances and costly defensive lapses.
This emphatic victory strengthens The Cong Viettel’s early momentum in the V.League 1 – 2025/26 campaign and sends a strong message to their rivals about their title ambitions this season. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC will need to regroup quickly to bounce back from this disappointing defeat.
Hong Phuc
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