Song Lam Nghe An Club (SLNA) is a big name in Vietnamese football as well as the “V.League era”. By winning the ticket to stay in the league this season, the Nghe An team also set a record of 40 consecutive years of participating in the highest national tournament without ever being relegated. However, being able to stay in the league with great difficulty cannot be considered the result that Nghe An football fans expected.
It is known that due to financial difficulties, Song Lam Nghe An has always had to face waves of "bloodshed", many stars and pillars have joined other teams. However, with a "training ground" for youth football with rich traditions, Song Lam Nghe An continues to produce the next generation of capable players, thereby standing firm in the face of difficulties and challenges.

The 3-2 victory over Becamex Binh Duong (a team with the service of Song Lam Nghe An's former top star - central defender Que Ngoc Hai) is another proof that the "inner strength" of Song Lam Nghe An is still worthy of respect. After 8 years, Song Lam Nghe An is again in the National Cup final (since they won the cup in 2017), thereby having the opportunity to win the Cup for the 4th time.

Unlike SLNA, with a star-studded squad and huge investment resources, Hanoi Police were considered a “candidate” for every championship title, from V.League to National Cup, even before the tournament.

Therefore, the fact that they "only" finished 3rd in the V.League (although it is a very remarkable achievement) may not be considered the desired result. Their strength is not inferior to that of the Blue Steel Nam Dinh and Hanoi FC, but the team's low level of stability is the problem that makes it difficult for coach Polking and his team to compete for the championship in the V.League compared to their opponents.

Fortunately, the club was able to stabilize, won the Southeast Asian Cup 1 runner-up position, surpassed The Cong in the duel for the V.League bronze medal and participated in the 2024/25 National Cup final.

The 3-1 victory over The Cong in the semi-final match was truly convincing, showing how determined they are to win the final title of the season. This is only the second time in 24 years (since the 2000-2001 season) and the third time in the history of the National Cup (since 1992), Hanoi Police have reached the final of this tournament, and at the same time have the opportunity to complete the "collection" of titles of the Vietnamese professional football system (Hanoi Police have never won the National Cup).

One thing worth noting is that in this year's professional football season, despite their very different performances, in both confrontations in the V.League, both sides shared points (with the same score of 1-1). In other words, despite being underestimated, Song Lam Nghe An will certainly be determined to face Cong An Ha Noi in a specific match like this.

Playing at Vinh Stadium, where the fans are also very enthusiastic, will boost the spirit of coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team in the match against the team led by strategist Alexandre Polking.

On the away team side, stars like Filip Nguyen, Nguyen Quang Hai, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Le Pham Thanh Long, Jason Quang Vinh… are also very excited, ready to shine to bring home the unprecedented Cup in the Hanoi Police's tradition room.

Tuan Ngoc

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chung-ket-cup-quoc-gia-202425-song-lam-nghe-an-va-cong-an-ha-noi-post553432.html