Ho Chi Minh, 27 June, 2025 – Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung played a pivotal role in Da Nang’s 2-0 victory over Binh Phuoc in the V.League 2025-2026 playoff, held at Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of June 27. His highlight moment came in the 78th minute, when he denied a crucial penalty from star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, preventing Binh Phuoc from equalizing and keeping Da Nang’s lead intact.
What made the save even more remarkable was the meticulous preparation behind it. Ahead of the match, Bui Tien Dung and the Da Nang coaching staff had done detailed analysis of Binh Phuoc’s players, particularly their tendencies during penalty kicks. As part of this preparation, the goalkeeper brought a water bottle onto the pitch labeled with “secret notes” – detailing each Binh Phuoc player’s preferred penalty direction.
For Cong Phuong, the notes predicted a left-side strike (from the goalkeeper’s perspective) with a delayed run-up, suggesting Dung should hold his position, read the body language, and react late instead of guessing early. The plan worked perfectly. Cong Phuong struck a tame shot into the predicted corner, and Dung, composed and focused, dived at the right moment to keep it out.
The save not only preserved Da Nang’s lead but also shifted the momentum decisively. Just five minutes later, Da Nang doubled the score to 2-0, sealing their place in next season’s V.League.
This moment adds to Bui Tien Dung’s reputation as a penalty-saving expert. He first made headlines during the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, where he saved four penalties across multiple shootouts to help Vietnam finish as runners-up—a historic achievement. While his club career has seen ups and downs, especially during stints with Ho Chi Minh City FC, he has always maintained a knack for clutch penalty saves.
Since joining Da Nang in the second half of the 2024/25 season, Bui Tien Dung has delivered vital performances. He scored against Binh Dinh in a crucial relegation battle and made numerous key saves to help the team secure their top-flight status.
The penalty save against Cong Phuong, guided by “scientific and thorough preparation,” is not only a testament to his individual focus but also reflects Da Nang’s professional approach to the playoff. For fans and analysts alike, it was a moment of redemption and brilliance—reminding everyone of the calm, calculating goalkeeper who once carried a nation’s hopes in a penalty shootout.
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