Coach Popov unlucky against HAGL

27/10/2025 07:58:00 esportapi

Round 8 is not finished yet but has already seen surprises, particularly at Pleiku where struggling HAGL defeated second-placed The Cong Viettel. Meanwhile, Ninh Binh is charging toward the first half title with a convincing 3-point win at PVF CAND. Hanoi FC also shows positive signs of revival under coach Harry Kewell.

Hoang Duc and his teammates continued their excellent form in this round, even though they played at PVF CAND. Facing pressure from chasing rivals, Ninh Binh maintained consistent performance to overcome challenges. Their 3-1 win against coach Thach Bao Khanh’s team helped coach Gerard Castano’s side extend their unbeaten streak to 32 matches since last season. This Asian record by Ninh Binh might be prolonged as Hoang Duc and his teammates have relatively easier matches ahead.

The Cong Viettel, expected to keep close to Ninh Binh after Round 8, suffered a painful defeat at Pleiku. Coach Popov’s team dominated possession against HAGL and created twice as many chances on Trung Kien’s goal but lost 1-2. Coach Velizar Popov bitterly admitted that HAGL has been a nemesis in his coaching career in Vietnam. The Cong Viettel played well and with high spirit but were unbelievably unlucky against the bottom club.

For HAGL, under GĐKT Vu Tien Thanh, the team climbed from the bottom to second last place with 6 points (one point more than last-placed SHB Da Nang). Both HAGL and Thanh Hoa ended their winless streaks this season, and now no club in the V-League remains without a victory.

Despite struggling in the relegation zone, HAGL unexpectedly defeated second-placed The Cong Viettel. Photo: Du Toan

SLNA, also with 6 points like HAGL, is temporarily placed 12th. SLNA lost 0-1 at home to Thanh Hoa in this round. Rimario shone at the crucial moment for Thanh Hoa with a goal in the 32nd minute. Coach Choi Won Kwon’s team matched HAGL by securing their first win after 8 matches. Thanh Hoa thus rose to 11th place with 7 points.

Title contender Hanoi FC finally got their first win under coach Harry Kewell. At Becamex TP.HCM stadium, naturalized player Do Hoang Hen made his first impact by scoring a penalty. Hanoi FC won a dramatic 3-2 against Becamex TP.HCM and now have 11 points, ranked 6th. Hanoi FC might challenge the top group on the standings from this point onward.

Hai Phong is the club with the most steady progress so far. Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem’s team quietly moved up firmly into the top group. On the evening of October 26 at Lach Tray stadium, Hai Phong forced the tough Hong Linh Ha Tinh to concede 2-1. Coach Nguyen Cong Manh’s squad started strongly and took the lead through Helerson.

Round 8 Results

Becamex TP.HCM – Hanoi FC: 2-3

Hai Phong - Hong Linh Ha Tinh: 2-1

HAGL - The Cong Viettel: 2-1

PVF CAND – Ninh Binh: 1-3

SLNA – Thanh Hoa: 0-1

Round 8 Schedule and Live Broadcast (Monday, October 27):

18:00 Nam Dinh – SHB Da Nang (FPT Play, TV360+4)

19:15 CAHN – CATP.HCM (FPT Play, VTV5, HTV Sports, MyTV, TV360, SCTV)

Comment (0)