HAGL overtakes HAGL for the top 3 spot.

A disastrous start to the 2024-2025 V-League season has pushed Hai Phong FC into the relegation zone. After 5 rounds, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's ​​team has yet to win (3 draws, 2 losses). The biggest challenge for Hai Phong is hosting Nam Dinh FC at their home stadium, Lach Tray. Despite losing 3-0 at home to Hanoi Police FC in the previous round, Nam Dinh still possesses superior strength compared to the home team, Hai Phong.

Hai Phong Club (in red shirts) was outmatched by Nam Dinh.

The reality on the pitch proved how important player quality is to how a team operates. Hai Phong FC had slightly better ball control and their attacks were well-structured and creative, but they couldn't score due to the lack of sharpness from both their foreign players (Ze Paulo, Bicou Bissainthe) and domestic players (Minh Di, Huu Son).

The most dangerous chance created by Hai Phong against Nam Dinh was Bicou's shot that hit the crossbar in the 25th minute, following a scramble in front of Tran Nguyen Manh's goal. Hai Phong's attacks lacked effective finishing touches, with forwards like Huu Son and Minh Di making predictable decisions.

Conversely, Nam Dinh FC didn't attack much, but scored two easy goals in the first half thanks to the class of Hendrio Araujo. In the 5th minute, Hendrio took a dangerous free kick from the right wing, creating a chaotic situation in Hai Phong's penalty area. Lucas Alves seized the opportunity to rush in and finish from close range, opening the scoring. In the 37th minute, Nguyen Van Vi dribbled and broke through on the left wing before delivering a perfect cross for Hendrio to decisively score with a one-touch finish, doubling the lead for the visiting team, Nam Dinh.

Henderson shines

After the break, Hai Phong FC tried to improve their attack by pushing their formation higher and putting pressure on both flanks. Meanwhile, with a two-goal advantage, Nam Dinh FC opted for a defensive counter-attacking strategy. In the 47th minute, Ly Cong Hoang Anh broke through to face goalkeeper Dinh Trieu, but the Hai Phong custodian made a well-timed rush out to save him.

Although Nam Dinh's defense has been inconsistent since the start of the season, Hai Phong FC hasn't been able to create enough pressure to break through it.

The home team's efforts at Lạch Tray Stadium only resulted in a consolation goal in the 80th minute. Văn Công's weak back pass allowed the Hải Phòng striker to close in. Although Nguyên Mạnh rushed out, he couldn't correct his teammate's mistake. Lucao seized the ball and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot to score. However, Nam Định FC didn't make any further errors in the remaining time.

By defeating Hai Phong, defending champions Nam Dinh now have 10 points after 6 rounds, temporarily moving up to third place.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hendrio-choi-sang-clb-nam-dinh-danh-bai-hai-phong-soan-top-3-cua-hagl-18524110120323503.htm