Hanoi narrowly loses to Hai Phong, losing ground in the V-League championship race

Hai Phong Club secured a 1-0 victory over Hanoi FC with a late goal by Huu Nam.

Right after the kick-off whistle, both teams started with a high tempo. Hanoi FC was more proactive in possession and created the first opportunity in the 3rd minute when Cong Nhat dribbled down the wing and crossed inside for Fisher. However, Hai Phong's defense quickly retreated to cover.

On the opposite side, the home team also showed danger in transition situations. In the 7th minute, Joel Tagueu unleashed a dangerous diagonal shot, forcing the visiting defense to stay focused. By the 10th minute, Hoang Hen tried his luck with a long-range right-footed shot, but the ball lacked accuracy.

The match situation in most of the first half was quite balanced, as both sides were not afraid of physical clashes and fiercely contested the midfield area. However, the number of clear chances created by both teams was not many.

One of the most notable incidents in the first half occurred in the 30th minute, when Lupeta fell in the Hanoi FC penalty area after a collision with an opposing defender. Nevertheless, referee Mai Xuan Hung waved it off, denying Hai Phong a penalty.

Towards the end of the first half, Hanoi FC began to increase pressure. In the 40th minute, from Van Quyet's corner kick, Thanh Chung jumped high for a dangerous header, but the ball narrowly missed the goal, causing the visitors to miss an opportunity to open the scoring.

Entering the second half, the match situation did not change much as both teams still prioritized solidity. In the 50th minute, Passira made a good move before passing inside for a teammate to shoot, but the ball went too deep.

The period afterward witnessed intense midfield battles. Hai Phong and Hanoi FC both played tightly, causing the match rhythm to be fragmented by continuous confrontations. In the 72nd minute, Xuan Tu had a chance to shoot from a favorable position but still could not capitalize.

While the match seemed to be heading towards a stalemate, a turning point arrived in the 77th minute. From an attacking combination, the ball was laid back to the second line perfectly for Huu Nam to surge forward and execute a beautiful finish, defeating goalkeeper Quan Van Chun and opening a 1-0 lead for Hai Phong.

The conceded goal forced Hanoi FC to push their formation higher in the final minutes. The capital team repeatedly organized fast-paced attacks to seek an equalizer. However, against a Hai Phong side playing courageously and tightly in defense, all efforts from the visitors proved ineffective.

Ultimately, Hai Phong secured a minimal 1-0 victory over Hanoi FC. This result was deserved for the home team after a fiercely contested match, where they knew how to seize the opportunity to make the difference.

90'+7: The match ends. Hai Phong 1-0 Hanoi

88': NO

After conceding the goal, Hanoi players continuously created fast attacking situations. Nevertheless, Hai Phong's defense was still playing diligently to protect their net.

77': GOAL!!!! 1-0 FOR HAI PHONG

From a teammate's pass, Huu Nam appeared in the second line and unleashed a beautiful shot to open the scoring for the home team.

72': NO

Xuan Tu shot from a quite favorable position but still could not score.

66': STALEMATE

Both teams chose intense pressing but without effectiveness.

50': NO GOAL

Passira received the ball and passed inside for a teammate to shoot, but the ball went too deep.

40': NO

From Van Quyet's corner kick, the ball met Thanh Chung's head dangerously but went wide.

30': NO PENALTY

Lupeta just fell in the Hanoi penalty area, but referee Mai Xuan Hung waved it off, no penalty for the home team.

24': NO GOAL

Both teams actively attacked but still no truly dangerous situations were created.

10': NO

Hoang Hen decided to unleash a long-range right-footed shot, but the ball lacked accuracy.

7': DANGEROUS

Joel Tagueu had a dangerous diagonal shot towards Quan Van Chun's goal.

3': DANGEROUS

Cong Nhat dribbled down the wing and passed inside for Fisher, but it couldn't get past the Hai Phong defender.

1: The match begins

Starting lineup

What time is the Hai Phong vs Hanoi match, and where to watch live?

• Time: 18:00 today, April 4
• Venue: Lach Tray Stadium
• League: V-League 2025/26
• Live on: F PT Play

Expected lineup for Hai Phong vs Hanoi

• Hai Phong: Dinh Trieu, Tien Dung, Nhat Minh, Tien Dung, Thai Bao, Manh Dung, Luiz Antonio, Ronaldo Fletcher, Huu Son, Joel Tagueu, Hoang Nam.
• Hanoi:Van Chun, Xuan Manh, Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Cong Nhat, Van Quyet, Hung Dung, Hai Long, Fernando, Fisher, Hoang Hen.

Analysis of Hai Phong vs Hanoi: Fiery confrontation

The clash between Hai Phong and Hanoi FC at Lach Tray Stadium is considered a notable highlight in V-League 2025/26, as the two teams enter the match with contrasting form.

Hai Phong is experiencing a clear slowdown after a period of good performance. The Port city team has not won in 5 consecutive matches, since their victory over Da Nang. The biggest issue for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's squad lies in the attack, as they have only scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches, most of which came from one match against Thanh Hoa.

Contrary to the declining form of their opponent, Hanoi FC is showing strong signs of revival under coach Harry Kewell. The Capital team has won 4 of their last 5 matches, losing only 1, and gradually reclaiming the image of a top contender.

The most positive aspect of Hanoi lies in the balance in their gameplay. In their last 5 matches, they scored 10 goals and conceded only 3 times, indicating that the system is becoming more stable compared to the early season phase. Not relying on a standout individual in attack, Hanoi is effectively utilizing coordination and sharing scoring responsibilities among multiple positions.

Among them, Hoang Hen is the most prominent link with his ability to connect play, create opportunities, and directly contribute to the attacking front. The efficiency of the midfield is precisely the foundation helping Hanoi control the match better recently.

Despite being rated lower in terms of form, Hai Phong still has grounds for hope due to the advantage of Lach Tray Stadium - which always creates immense pressure for any visiting team. If they improve finishing efficiency and maintain contest intensity, the home team can certainly cause Hanoi FC considerable difficulties.

However, considering the current comparison, Hanoi FC still holds an edge in stability, organized play, and match-deciding ability.

Some notable statistics before the Hai Phong vs Hanoi match

• Hai Phong lost 4, drew 1 in their last 5 matches
• Hanoi won 4, lost 1 in their last 5 matches
• In their last 5 head-to-head encounters, Hanoi won 2 matches, Hai Phong won 1 match