THE BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
As the championship race nears its end with Hanoi Police FC holding a clear advantage, the relegation battle remains wide open, with Da Nang FC (14th, 12 points), PVF-CAND (13th, 13 points), Thanh Hoa (12th, 17 points), HAGL (11th, 18 points), and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City (10th, 19 points) all vying for survival. Each match between these teams is a six-point game, creating new turning points in the fight for survival.
Despite the dark clouds of crisis looming, Thanh Hoa FC is diligently accumulating points against potential opponents they could win or draw against. Coach Mai Xuan Hop's team secured a double victory against Ho Chi Minh City Police FC (2-1, 4-0), earned one point against Hai Phong (3-3) and SLNA (1-1), and suffered acceptable defeats against Nam Dinh and The Cong Viettel (both 0-1). This "slow and steady" approach has helped Thanh Hoa FC maintain a safe distance from the relegation zone, ranging from 4 to 6 points, since the second half of the season. However, the key to Thanh Hoa FC's survival also lies in avoiding defeat in crucial six-point matches, most notably the clash against PVF-CAND, the team ranked just below them, taking place at 6 PM today (April 25th) at Thanh Hoa Stadium.
Thanh Hoa FC (left) must accumulate every point to avoid relegation.
PHOTO: VPF
In this 20th round, bottom-placed Da Nang will face the "giant" The Cong Viettel, meaning that if Thanh Hoa FC can secure at least one point against PVF-CAND, they will likely maintain a safe distance from the bottom group. If they play to their full potential, this is a task well within the reach of the former National Cup champions. Despite limited resources, the recent loss of foreign player Rimario Gordon (who returned to Jamaica), and the need to focus on each game, Thanh Hoa FC still maintains an impressive fighting spirit. Doan Ngoc Tan and his teammates always play with a determined spirit, even if sometimes they are overly aggressive with strong tackles. The style of play, emphasizing pressing, with both defense and attack being scientific and disciplined, remains intact, and his successor, Mai Xuan Hop, has been very well developed by the players, creating a formidable team that fights for each other.
However, don't underestimate PVF-CAND. Cornered, coach Tran Tien Dai's team has nothing to lose. With a young, ambitious squad and a gradually improving attacking strategy, PVF-CAND is capable of securing at least one point to avoid being left behind in the relegation battle. The visiting team needs to improve their defense, which often lacks concentration, and their attacking "aim." PVF-CAND created many opportunities, but poor finishing led to frequent missed chances and subsequent defeats for the V-League newcomers.
In the other match, Nam Dinh promises to extend their winning streak when they visit Becamex Ho Chi Minh City at Binh Duong Stadium (6 PM today, April 25th). The home team's weak defense (conceding 10 goals in the last 5 matches) will struggle to withstand the "stormy" form of quality strikers like Nguyen Xuan Son and Chadrac Akolo.
UNPREDICTABLE RACE
The two early matches of V-League Round 20 concluded yesterday (April 24), creating changes at both ends of the table. At home, HAGL drew 0-0 against Hai Phong. While unable to secure a victory at Pleiku Stadium, the valuable point in the relegation battle was enough to reassure Coach Le Quang Trai's team. HAGL is now 6 points ahead of the relegation zone (with one game in hand) and is getting closer to safety.
In contrast to the goalless drought at Pleiku Stadium, Ninh Binh FC and Hanoi FC delivered a thrilling and exciting match in the ancient capital. The visitors opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Hung Dung, then doubled their lead in the 45+1 minute with a close-range finish from young talent Anh Tiep. However, Geovane Magno's effort with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area reduced the deficit to 1-2. In the second half, Hanoi FC started better when Van Quyet scored a beautiful one-touch finish after a pass from Hoang Hen to restore their two-goal lead. Ninh Binh's efforts only resulted in a goal from Quoc Viet in the 61st minute, ultimately leading to a 2-3 defeat.
With this crucial victory, Hanoi FC is now just one point behind Ninh Binh in third place. It was a perfect 10 performance from coach Harry Kewell's team, showcasing their attacking prowess, control of the game, and composure in defending their lead. The capital city team has truly bounced back after their early-season crisis.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chung-ket-nguoc-nong-bong-18526042422314052.htm
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