Five highlights of V-League 2016 Round 9

The end of Hai Phong's winning streak and a red alert for Hoang Anh Gia Lai were among most notable highlights of the ninth round of the 2016 V-League.

1. Hai Phong no longer unbeaten

The confrontation between Hanoi T&T and Hai Phong was the most awaited match on Sunday, not only by passionate fans but also because of Hanoi's winning streak against Hai Phong over recent years.

Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem’s players did not disappoint their home fans, with a 2-1 win at the last minute thanks to Hoang Vu Samson. The 2-1 victory not only helps Hanoi T&T maintain their unbeaten streak over their opponents, but also marks Hai Phong's first defeat at this year’s V-League season. However, the team still took the lead with a safe distance of six points from the rest of the pack.

2. Hoang Anh Gia Lai deep in crisis

Gia Lai suffered another defeat and are facing a real crisis. The 0-5 loss at Go Dau Stadium to Becamex Binh Duong was their 2nd consecutive defeat and 5th since the beginning of this year’s season.

The heavy defeat also confined Gia Lai at 12th place on the chart. If there is not much improvement, coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan and his players are likely to struggle to avoid relegation like last season.

Hanoi T&T stop the winning streak of Hai Phong with a 2-1 win as they clash at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on May 8. (Credit: dantri.com.vn)

3. The stand ‘on fire’

Despite suffering heavy defeat in this round, Hai Phong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai received great comfort from their fans.

While those supporting Gia Lai sang out loud at Go Dau Stadium despite their home team suffering a humiliating defeat, Hai Phong’s fans were even more impressive. A long line of Hai Phong vehicles with banners and flags dyed red covered the roads around Hang Day Stadium and fans lit up the stands with their passion.

4. Cong Vinh proves himself

A recent goal in the AFC Champions League against FC Tokyo really helped Cong Vinh gain back his confidence. The captain of Vietnam's national squad had a stunning game against Hoang Anh Gia Lai with effective handling.

He even nearly scored a hat-trick in the first half, but was blocked by the post. However, his double was enough to help him maintain the chase with Hoang Vu Samson on the list of best scorers in V-League history.

5. The round of home teams

Round 9 was really the story of the home teams, as all seven matches saw wins or draws for the home sides.

Only QNK Quang Nam (tied 1-1 with SHB Da Nang) and FLC Thanh Hoa (drew 2-2 with Song Lam Nghe An) were unable to get all three points. Meanwhile, Long An, Sanna Khanh Hoa, Quang Ninh Coal, Becamex Binh Duong and Hanoi T&T triumphed with the cheers from their home fans.

(Source: NDO)