Hanoi, 24 February 2026 – Reigning champions Nam Dinh began the Lunar New Year 2026 with a narrow 0–1 defeat to hosts Viettel FC in the rescheduled Round 10 fixture of the V.League 1 2025–2026 season.
Before stepping onto Hang Day Stadium on the evening of February 24, Nam Dinh were only one point above the relegation play-off spot currently occupied by PVF-CAND. As a result, coach Mauro Jeronimo and his players were under significant pressure to secure a positive result in order to climb the standings. On the other side, Viettel FC were equally determined to claim all three points to maintain their pursuit of the title.
With the match carrying high stakes and coming just after the Tet holiday break, both teams started cautiously. After the opening 15 minutes, Viettel gradually increased the tempo and began to create attacking opportunities.
In the 19th minute, Viettel thought they had taken the lead, but referee Hoang Thanh Binh disallowed the goal after ruling that Dinh Viet Tu had fouled goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh during an aerial challenge. Four minutes later, Nham Manh Dung squandered another clear chance in a one-on-one situation.
The first half saw Viettel produce several promising attacks but fail to convert, while Nam Dinh struggled to impose themselves offensively. The opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Early in the second half, Nam Dinh showed signs of improvement. In the 50th minute, Chadrac Akolo fired a shot inside the penalty area that narrowly missed the target. Shortly after, goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet comfortably handled a strike from Nguyen Xuan Son.
However, as Nam Dinh pushed higher up the pitch, they left gaps at the back. Viettel capitalized in the 69th minute from a set-piece. From a free kick taken more than 30 meters out by Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Manh parried the ball into danger, allowing Le Quoc Nhat Nam to follow up and score from close range. Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, VAR review overturned the decision and awarded the goal.
After conceding, Nam Dinh intensified their attacks. Nguyen Xuan Son was energetic up front, but neither he nor his teammates could break down Viettel’s disciplined defense. Unable to find an equalizer, Nam Dinh were forced to accept a 0–1 defeat in their first match of the new year.
The loss extended Nam Dinh’s winless streak in the V.League to 10 matches. They remain in 10th place with 12 points, facing mounting pressure as PVF-CAND (11 points) and Da Nang (7 points, with one game in hand) close in from below.
Meanwhile, Viettel FC strengthened their hold on third place with 25 points, trailing leaders Hanoi Police FC and Ninh Binh by seven and two points respectively.
VSN/RPT
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