Hanoi, 1 May 2026 – Hanoi FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Da Nang FC to temporarily climb above Ninh Binh into third place in the V.League 1 standings, while also closing the gap on second-placed The Cong Viettel.
Chasing the runners-up position in the 2025/26 V.League 1 season, Hanoi entered the match with aggressive intent. Meanwhile, Da Nang were equally motivated as they continue battling to avoid relegation, creating an open and entertaining contest from the opening minutes.
The home side struck early in the third minute. From Hoang Hen’s delivery on the right flank, young center-back Anh Tiep rose highest to head the ball past the goalkeeper, marking his second consecutive match on the scoresheet.
Da Nang responded quickly after conceding. Just two minutes later, Anh Tuan capitalized on a lapse in Hanoi’s defense but dragged his effort wide. Soon after, Makaric produced a clever piece of skill to beat his marker, although his final shot lacked precision.
The visitors eventually found their equalizer in the 21st minute. Minh Quang timed his run perfectly to break the offside trap and chase down a long pass. Although he failed to connect properly with his shot, the ball rolled into the path of Makaric, who calmly tapped into an empty net. After a VAR review, the goal was awarded.
Hanoi pushed forward strongly after conceding. Fisher came close in the 33rd minute with a shot that drifted wide, while Xuan Manh later caused problems with a dangerous cross from the right wing. Just before halftime, the hosts regained the lead. Cong Nhat combined well down the left before delivering a cross that Xuan Manh met with a powerful header at the far post, leaving goalkeeper Van Toan with no chance.
Da Nang remained ambitious after the break and nearly equalized again in the 53rd minute, but Dinh Duy’s final decision in a one-on-one situation allowed Quan Van Chuan to collect the ball comfortably.
The turning point arrived in the 70th minute when Duc Anh was shown a straight red card after VAR determined his foul on Daniel Passira was dangerous. Reduced to ten men, Da Nang struggled to maintain pressure as Hanoi controlled possession for much of the remaining match.
However, the drama did not end there. Hanoi defender Vu Tien Long was also sent off late in the game after headbutting Da Nang center-back Do Phi Long in an incident reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane’s famous clash with Marco Materazzi during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final.
Despite the late chaos, Hanoi held on for a valuable 2-1 win to strengthen their push near the top of the table.
VSN/RPT
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