Overseas Vietnamese player scores, HAGL secures first win in V-League

(Football results) - HAGL claimed their initial win of the V-League this year after a surprising triumph over Viettel.

The match began with cautious probing from both sides. At the 6th minute, Minh Tâm (HAGL) made a breakthrough attempt and shot, but the weak strike posed no threat to Viettel’s goalkeeper. In the 15th minute, Viettel responded with a run and a cross from Khuất Văn Khang, yet Pedro failed to finish successfully.

The turning point of the first half came at the 26th minute. From a precise free kick by Hoàng Vĩnh Nguyên, the center-back Jairo jumped high and headed sharply, opening the score 1-0 for HAGL amid Viettel’s defensive helplessness. After the goal, HAGL continued to impress. In the 30th minute, Phan Du Học tested goalkeeper Văn Việt with a powerful long-range shot. Viettel pushed attacks down the right wing with the agility of Trương Tiến Anh and Pedro, but HAGL’s defense held firm. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the home team.

Early in the second half, HAGL made two notable substitutions when Ryan Hà and Minh Triệu entered the field, replacing Quang Kiệt (who had to leave due to injury). This adjustment quickly paid off. At the 61st minute, HAGL launched a very neat counterattack. The newly entered player Ryan Hà struck a powerful shot that hit the top corner of Viettel’s goal, increasing the score to 2-0.

Trailing by two goals, Viettel threw everything into attack, bringing on all available forwards. However, their shots lacked precision, exemplified by Đinh Xuân Tiến’s sky-high attempt in the 73rd minute.

At the 77th minute, Viettel seemed to score a consolation goal when Lucao netted after a pass from Pedro Henrique, but after review, VAR disallowed the goal due to offside. At the 84th minute, Viettel missed another chance when Wesley Nata shot over the bar amid confusion in the penalty area.

In the final stoppage time, Lucao scored a consolation goal for Viettel with a beautiful free kick from the edge of the box. The match ended with HAGL defeating Viettel 2-1, marking the mountain town team’s first victory in this year’s V-League.

Full time, HAGL 2-0 Viettel

90'+13, Viettel scores to make it 1-2

Lucao nets a consolation goal for Viettel with a free kick from the box edge.

84' What a miss

In a chaotic moment inside the box, the ball bounced to Wesley Nata, but his follow-up shot went over the crossbar.

77' VAR rejects Viettel’s goal.

Pedro Henrique delivered a perfect pass for Lucao to score against HAGL. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

73' Missed chance

The ball fell to Đinh Xuân Tiến’s feet, but the young Viettel striker’s shot flew over the goal.

70' Not successful

Viettel is going all out by putting all their forwards on the pitch, yet their shots still lack accuracy.

61' Goal, HAGL extends lead to 2-0

A very tidy counterattack by HAGL. Substitute Ryan Hà unleashed a powerful shot that hit the top corner of Viettel’s goal.

55' HAGL makes two substitutions

Ryan Hà and Minh Triệu came on. Quang Kiệt tried to continue after injury but had to be taken off.

46' Second half begins

Half-time: HAGL 1-0 Viettel

40' Viettel’s effort

Viettel mainly attacked down the right wing with the mobility of Trương Tiến Anh and Pedro, but HAGL’s defense remains solid.

30' HAGL showing impressive play

Phan Du Học tested goalkeeper Văn Việt with a strong long-range shot, but the Viettel keeper performed well.

26' Goal, HAGL opens the scoring

Hoàng Vĩnh Nguyên delivered an accurate free kick cross, enabling Jairo to leap and head past Viettel’s defense completely.

15' Dangerous

Khuất Văn Khang broke free on the right wing and crossed into the box, but Pedro could not finish.

6' No success

Minh Tâm tried to dribble into a tight angle and shoot, but the weak shot did not trouble Viettel’s goalkeeper.

1' Kickoff

Starting lineups for HAGL vs Viettel:

What time is HAGL vs Viettel, and where to watch live?

• Time: 17:00, October 26
• Venue: Pleiku Stadium
• Tournament: Round 8 of V-League
• Live on: VTV5, FP T Play

Key information before the HAGL vs Viettel match

At Pleiku stadium, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (3 points) – currently at the bottom of the table – faces a genuine title contender, Thể Công Viettel (15 points). Without top stars, HAGL is almost just a name now, showing clear decline since the first match and still without a win after 7 rounds (3 draws, 4 losses).

Even more worrying, the "mountain team" has scored only one goal in 7 matches – the lowest in the league. Meanwhile, Viettel shows very stable form with 7 unbeaten games (4 wins, 3 draws), boasting a strong attack (12 goals scored) and the best defense (only 4 goals conceded).

In the 3 away matches so far, excluding draws against Hà Nội FC and CAHN at Hàng Đẫy Stadium, Viettel had a 1-1 draw in a game where they performed better than the home side Ninh Bình FC. Thus, facing an out-of-form HAGL, coach Popov’s players will definitely aim for their first away win this season.

Expected lineups for HAGL vs Viettel:

• HAGL: Trung Kiên, A Sân, Jairo, Văn Triệu, Du Học, Thanh Sơn, Vĩnh Nguyên, Đình Lâm, Thanh Nhân, Marciel, Fraga

• Viettel: Văn Việt, Kyle, Viết Tú, Tiến Anh, Văn Tú, Tuấn Tài, Hữu Thắng, Nhật Nam, Wesley, Lucas, Pedro