There has been no "miracle" for Hong Linh, Ha Tinh.

The starting lineup for Hong Linh Ha Tinh in their match against The Cong – Viettel .

The match between Hong Linh Ha Tinh and The Cong – Viettel in Round 22 of V.League 1 – 2025/2026 ended with a 2-0 victory for the military team. Coach Velizar Popov's players, with their high form and superior squad, had little difficulty overcoming the team from Hong Linh.

This was coach Phan Như Thuật's debut match in front of the fans, so the whole team was determined to earn points against The Cong - Viettel. Being considered the underdog, Hong Linh Ha Tinh proactively played a defensive counter-attacking game.

However, just six minutes into the match, the visiting team opened the scoring. From a corner kick, Bui Tien Dung capitalized on a mistake by the home team's defense to score from close range, giving The Cong - Viettel the lead. Less than 10 minutes later, Bui Tien Dung again unleashed a shot from inside the penalty area to double the lead. Like the opening goal, the second goal also stemmed from a lapse in concentration from the home team's defense.

The visiting team's players celebrate the opening goal. *Photo: The Cong - Viettel FC.*

Conceding two goals so quickly demoralized the Hong Linh Ha Tinh players. With the ball mostly in the home team's half, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's players struggled against the opponent's pressing style and tight defense. The team from Hong Mountain only created a few dangerous opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.

In the second half, despite the coaching staff improving the attack by bringing on midfielders Huynh Tien Dat, Nguyen Van Hiep, and striker Welder de Jesus Costa, there were still no goals.

While the defense cost Hong Linh Ha Tinh dearly with two goals conceded, the attack displayed its familiar inefficiency. For most of the match, the team from Hong Mountain barely created enough pressure on the opponent's goal.

The visiting team easily neutralized the home team's counter-attacks. *Photo: The Cong - Viettel FC.*

The team's attacking play lacked creativity, relying heavily on long passes or individual efforts. The midfield was completely outmatched by their opponents; the Hong Mountain team lacked a player capable of controlling the tempo and creating decisive passes. This resulted in a frequent disconnect between the midfield and forward lines.

Even with a more attacking formation in the second half, Hong Linh Ha Tinh still failed to create the feeling of being able to turn the tide. Their attacks lacked speed and surprise, allowing the The Cong - Viettel defense to easily neutralize them. This loss against The Cong - Viettel was their third defeat in their last five matches.

Hong Linh Ha Tinh's midfield performed ineffectively against their opponent.

Fans' expectations of a "change of coach, a change of fortune" did not materialize. Football always needs time to create change, and the defeat against The Cong - Viettel shows that Hong Linh Ha Tinh is facing more structural problems than simply tactical issues.

The new coaching staff may bring a boost in morale, but for the team to thrive, many more factors are needed: stability in playing style, player reinforcements, improved attacking quality, and especially resilience in difficult moments…

Coach Phan Như Thuật answers questions at the post-match press conference.

Sharing his thoughts on the defeat, coach Phan Nhu Thuat said: “The whole team entered the match with very high determination, however, conceding two goals too early ruined all our plans. The team still has a lot of work to do to achieve better results in the upcoming rounds.”

After round 22, the relegation battle remains intense. Hong Linh Ha Tinh needs at least one more win to secure their survival. In round 23 (May 17th), playing away against HAGL – an opponent considered to be on par with them – presents a good opportunity for Hong Linh Ha Tinh to rediscover the joy of victory.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/chua-co-phep-mau-cho-hong-linh-ha-tinh-post310407.html