Hanoi, 14 September, 2025 – Hanoi FC’s struggles deepened after they fell 0-1 to The Cong Viettel in the National Cup – LPBank Securities 2025/26 on the evening of September 14 at Hang Day Stadium. Despite creating several second-half chances, the capital club failed to convert and were punished by Pedro’s decisive goal in the 79th minute.
Coming into the match, The Cong Viettel had been in good form, collecting one draw and two wins to sit third in the V.League standings. Hanoi FC, in contrast, endured a sluggish start to the league campaign with two defeats and a draw, leaving them in 11th place. But while the league allows time for recovery, the knockout format of the National Cup meant that both teams had to approach the tie with full concentration.
Hanoi FC almost made the dream start. Within the opening minute, Hai Long broke through on the right before Do Hung Dung’s fierce volley rattled the crossbar, inches away from an opener. The Cong Viettel quickly responded with headers from Lucao and Tien Anh, as well as a powerful strike from Viet Tu, but goalkeeper Nguyen Van Hoang stood firm with sharp reflexes.
The remainder of the first half saw both sides adopt a cautious approach, though The Cong Viettel generated the clearer chances. In the 30th minute, two successive headers from a free kick forced Hanoi’s defense into desperate action, with Van Hoang and the upright keeping the game scoreless until halftime.
After the break, Hanoi showed more urgency and attacking intent. Their backline remained compact while the forwards began to combine more fluidly. In the 51st minute, Lucao dispossessed Do Duy Manh and raced clear, but Van Hoang courageously rushed out to intervene at the edge of the box. The goalkeeper suffered a knock to his leg after contact with Lucao’s studs, earning the striker a yellow card.
Hanoi created their best opportunities shortly after. In the 55th, Fernando hesitated inside the box before his shot was denied by Van Viet. Just two minutes later, Nguyen Van Quyet unleashed a thunderous strike from close range, only for Van Viet to produce another superb save. In the 66th, Nguyen Tuan Hai latched onto a long pass from midfield but dragged his effort wide.
Their profligacy proved costly. In the 79th minute, substitute Le Vu Nhat Nam won the ball in midfield and set Lucao free with a precise pass. The Brazilian forward threaded a through ball to Pedro, who controlled calmly before firing a low drive beyond Van Hoang to seal The Cong Viettel’s victory.
The result leaves Hanoi FC mired in early-season woes, while The Cong Viettel continue their strong momentum, advancing with confidence in the National Cup.
Hong Phuc
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