Thanh Hoa, 5 April 2026 – After back-to-back defeats against Nam Dinh and Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa FC have slipped into a turbulent period, dropping to 12th place with just 13 points, only two points clear of bottom side PVF-CAND. That fragile margin has intensified the relegation pressure, forcing the team to urgently rediscover form as they returned home to face Ho Chi Minh Police FC. However, it was far from an easy task, with Ho Chi Minh Police FC showing impressive consistency and sitting comfortably in the top five with 26 points.
Despite being rated as the underdogs, Thanh Hoa FC started brightly with strong determination and home advantage. Within the opening 30 minutes, they executed a well-organized game plan and stunned their opponents by racing to a 2-0 lead. In the 8th minute, Mai Xuan Hop’s side capitalized on a defensive lapse from Ho Chi Minh Police FC, launching a quick counterattack that ended with Ba Tien scoring after two consecutive efforts. They doubled the lead in the 25th minute when another defensive error allowed Rimario Gordon to finish comfortably, making it 2-0.
In contrast, Ho Chi Minh Police FC struggled throughout the first half. Although they dominated possession with 62%, their attacking play lacked cohesion and failed to trouble Thanh Hoa’s defense. The visitors managed only three attempts, none of which were on target. Their best chance came in the 20th minute when defender Matheus struck the crossbar from close range.
In the second half, Ho Chi Minh Police FC continued to control the tempo but failed to create clear opportunities. Instead, they conceded a third goal in the 52nd minute, as Dinh Tung produced a stunning free-kick from around 25 meters, leaving goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik with no chance.
Trailing by three goals, Ho Chi Minh Police FC pushed forward and increased the tempo, but their efforts, led by Khoa Ngo, proved ineffective. Worse still, they remained vulnerable to counterattacks. After several defensive struggles, goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik was beaten for the fourth time in stoppage time, as Le Van Thang tapped in with ease.
With a surprising 4-0 victory, Thanh Hoa FC moved up to 16 points. Notably, they completed a double over Ho Chi Minh Police FC this season and climbed to 11th place, overtaking Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh Police FC remain fifth with 26 points.
VSN/RPT
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