Hanoi, 15 August, 2025 – V.League 1 – 2025/2026 season began in spectacular fashion on the evening of August 15 at Hang Day Stadium, as Hanoi Police FC and The Cong Viettel delivered an electrifying capital derby. Coaches Mano Polking and Velizar Popov set the tone with attack-minded football, creating a fiery opening to the new campaign.
The matchup was not only a clash between two of the league’s strongest squads but also a tactical battle between two of the most highly regarded foreign coaches in Vietnam. The fireworks started early. In just the third minute, Popov’s side took the lead when Vietnamese international Tien Anh, a standout under coach Kim Sang Sik, delivered a precise cross for new signing Lucao to head past goalkeeper Van Phong — marking the very first goal of the new season.
That early strike lit up the game, prompting both sides to abandon any cautious approach. The pace was relentless, with both teams trading quick-fire attacks in an end-to-end contest.
Hanoi Police FC showed remarkable composure after falling behind. Led by the creativity of Nguyen Quang Hai, the hosts pushed forward with fluid passing and movement, putting immense pressure on a Viettel defense missing key centre-back Nguyen Thanh Binh due to injury. Their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute, when defender Tran Dinh Trong surged forward and whipped in a perfect ball for Alan to fire home, levelling the score at 1-1.
The first half ended with the game finely balanced. Both coaches made bold changes at the break: Popov introduced Van Tram and Nhat Nam to reinforce Viettel’s midfield, while Polking brought on Nguyen Dinh Bac, the ASEAN U23 champion, and Van Do to add pace and creativity in attack.
In the second half, Polking’s side began to dominate possession, combining quick one-touch passes with fluid positional rotations involving Quang Hai, Alan, Artur, and Dinh Bac. This forced Viettel to drop deeper, relying on quick counter-attacks.
While the tempo slowed, the intensity only increased. Strong tackles, heated challenges, and occasional gamesmanship kept tempers high. Referee Hoang Ngoc Ha and his assistants were kept busy cooling down flare-ups, while Popov frequently stepped out of his technical area to voice his frustrations.
Despite the tension, neither side could find a breakthrough. The match ended 1-1, a result that leaves both teams with a point and plenty to build on. After the final whistle, Polking and Popov shared a firm handshake, acknowledging a fierce but balanced tactical duel to open the season.
The capital derby may not have produced a winner, but it set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling V-League 2025/2026 season.
Hong Phuc
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