Hanoi FC had a beautiful ending in the AFC Champions League.

After the previous five matches, the Vietnamese representative had won one and lost four, leaving them with no chance of advancing, while defending champions Urawa needed three points to compete for the best runner-up spot. With their superior class, Urawa surged into Hanoi FC's half immediately after the opening whistle, and within five minutes had a scoring opportunity following a mistake by center-back Dao Van Nam inside the penalty area. However, goalkeeper Van Hoang made an outstanding save, helping the home team Hanoi keep a clean sheet.

Hanoi FC can be proud to leave the tournament with 2 wins.

This was a turning point, because after Hanoi FC held firm in the first half (0-0 draw), a surprise occurred after the break. In the 53rd minute, center-back Van Nam "redeemed himself" with a precise rebound shot inside the penalty area to open the scoring for the Vietnamese team. Previously, center-back Le Tallec had a dangerous header that forced goalkeeper Urawa to make a diving save, creating a scoring opportunity for Van Nam.

Tuan Hai sealed the 2-1 victory.

Despite Urawa equalizing in the 65th minute, Hanoi FC continued to play a persistent counter-attacking game. In the 84th minute, Tuan Hai became the hero with a successful penalty kick (a Urawa defender handled the ball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the visitors), securing a 2-1 victory for Hanoi FC.

Despite finishing the tournament with 6 points and third place, Hanoi FC can be proud of their two victories against Wuhan Three Towns (the reigning Chinese champions) and Urawa (the reigning AFC Champions League champions). Coach Le Duc Tuan's team also contributed to Urawa's dethroning, as the Japanese representative failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/clb-ha-noi-co-cai-ket-dep-o-afc-champions-league-185231206221725186.htm