Ninh Binh, 28 September, 2025 – In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the V.League 1 2025/26 season, Hanoi Police FC claimed a crucial 2-0 win over direct title rivals Nam Dinh at a packed Thien Truong Stadium. The result not only delivered three valuable points but also reaffirmed the strength of the defending champions in the early title race.
The match started at a high tempo, with Hanoi Police FC threatening first. Young forward Nguyen Dinh Bac unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a misplaced pass by To Van Vu, forcing goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh into a difficult save. Moments later, Leo Artur tested the Nam Dinh defense with a right-footed shot, though it lacked enough power to trouble Nguyen Manh.
Nam Dinh’s best opening of the half came when Vu Van Vi attempted to exploit a rare error from keeper Nguyen Filip, but the home side failed to capitalize. Instead, it was Hanoi Police FC who struck first. In the 37th minute, a slick one-touch combination between Nguyen Quang Hai and Alan released Leo Artur, who calmly curled the ball into the far corner to silence the home crowd and put the visitors 1-0 up.
Nam Dinh nearly responded before halftime when Brenner lofted the ball over Filip, but a retreating defender cleared the danger before the Brazilian could finish into an empty net.
Head coach Vu Hong Viet introduced three substitutes after the break, including South African international Percy Tau, in an effort to energize Nam Dinh’s attack. However, while the home side pushed forward, it was Hanoi Police FC who continued to create the clearer chances. Nguyen Manh was repeatedly called into action to deny further goals, showing his class between the posts.
Hanoi Police FC thought they had doubled their lead when Artur weaved past the defense and squared for Stefan Mauk to score into an empty net, but the Brazilian was flagged offside in the build-up. Their second goal did eventually come in the 68th minute. Artur slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Quang Hai, who rounded Nguyen Manh before being brought down. As the goalkeeper collided with the midfielder, Alan raced onto the loose ball and calmly slotted into the unguarded net, making it 2-0.
In the closing stages, Hanoi Police FC remained dangerous on the counterattack, with their pace and fluid passing repeatedly stretching Nam Dinh’s backline. However, no further goals were added, and the match finished 2-0 in favor of the visitors.
The victory was a statement of intent from Hanoi Police FC, who tightened their grip on the title race. For Nam Dinh, the defeat was a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead if they are to compete consistently at the very top.
Kim Tuyen – Hong Phuc
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