V.League: Newbies Viettel stun leaders HCM City 1-0 on home field

ABO/NDO – Newly promoted Viettel climbed to sixth place in the 2019 V.League table after defeating the title favourites Ho Chi Minh City 1-0 in their matchday 14 encounter at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi on July 7.

Viettel (in red) record a crucial win against Ho Chi Minh City.

Ahead of the meeting, Viettel were on an impressive run of two wins and one draw. Inspired by the strong support from home fans, the V.League newbies proactively deployed attacks right from the first whistle.

However, it was the HCM City side who produced the first chance of the match, with Ngo Hoang Thinh bursting into the penalty area and rifling a close-range shot that forced keeper The Tai to make a smart save in the ninth minute.

As the first half continued, veteran midfielder Trong Hoang missed some good openings for the guests, curling a long-range shot wide in the 31st minute and placing an inaccurate finish in the box a few minutes later.

HCM City almost paid the price for a defensive mistake before halftime, as Hoang Duc failed to manage a shot in a one-on-one with goalie Thanh Thang.

The hosts remained the better side in the second half, creating some more chances to break the deadlock. Their efforts were rewarded seven minutes from the hour mark, as Cesar Goncalves’ convenient pass was intercepted by Bruno Cantanhede who slotted past Thanh Thang for the opener.

With time running out, HCM City intensified their offence seeking to level the score but could not convert any opportunities into an equaliser.

The bitter defeat put Chung Hae-seong’s side at risk of losing their grip on top of the table if second-placed Hanoi FC manage to bag the full three points against Hai Phong FC this afternoon. Meanwhile, with the victory, Viettel successfully avenged their loss to HCM City in the last 16 of the 2019 National Cup nearly two weeks ago.

Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN have yet to find a way out of crisis, as the humiliating 1-3 home defeat against Thanh Hoa FC on Sunday continues to keep them at the bottom with just nine points after 14 games.

Song Lam Nghe An (in yellow) miss the chance to further consolidate their third place in the V.League table after being held to a goalless draw by SHB Da Nang on home field.

Quang Nam FC clinched an important 2-1 win over Hoang Anh Gia Lai to stay five points clear of the bottom, while hosts Song Lam Nghe An played out a goalless draw with SHB Da Nang.

(Source: NDO)