A spectacular revival

A spectacular revival - photo 1

Da Nang miraculously avoided relegation in the 2024/25 season.

The decisive blow of those who never give up.

Poor pre-season preparation quickly plunged Da Nang into crisis. After the first 10 rounds, they had only earned 7 points, ranking second to last in the standings, only ahead of newly promoted Quang Nam FC due to goal difference.

The attack lacked sharpness, the defense frequently made individual mistakes, and the turmoil in the coaching staff caused the Han River team to lack stability, which is a prerequisite for a long-term relegation battle. At that time, many fans had accepted the reality that their beloved team would be relegated to the First Division the following season.

The atmosphere at Hoa Xuan Stadium became gloomy. Expected players like Ha Minh Tuan, A Mit, and Phi Ha failed to perform, and the foreign players were almost invisible.

The management was forced to activate a mid-season rebuilding plan. A series of adjustments were implemented, such as changing the tactical system, parting ways with underperforming foreign players, promoting young players Dinh Duy and Phi Hoang from the lower ranks, and, most notably, bringing back veteran strategist Phan Thanh Hung, who had been associated with the club for many years, as Technical Director.

Young coach Le Duc Tuan was given the task of leading the team. This duo quickly rebuilt the team in a pragmatic direction, building a solid defense and prioritizing winning points over playing beautiful football.

On the afternoon of June 27th, at Thong Nhat Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang faced Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC (runner-up in the 2024/25 First Division League) in a crucial play-off match. The game was not only a battle for a V.League spot but also the final test of all their efforts throughout the second half of the season.

Immediately after the opening whistle, the orange-shirted team quickly deployed a mid-range pressing strategy, a formula that had helped them defeat Hanoi and Khanh Hoa in previous rounds. The midfield controlled the tempo well, while the duo of Minh Tuan and Dinh Duy constantly troubled the opposing defense.

In the 26th minute, from a corner kick taken by Phi Ha, Minh Tuan rose high to head the ball into the net, opening the scoring. The goal relieved the tension, allowing Da Nang to adopt a safer style of play in the second half. In the 78th minute, during a quick counter-attack, Dinh Duy broke through, faced the goalkeeper, and finished accurately to make it 2-0.

Not stopping there, in the 86th minute, Binh Phuoc was awarded a penalty. Everyone held their breath. But goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung dived in the right direction, pushing the ball away, keeping a clean sheet and securing a 2-0 victory for Da Nang.

A crucial save showcasing the experience, composure, and remarkable resurgence of the former Vietnam U23 goalkeeper. At the end of the match, thousands of Da Nang fans at Thong Nhat Stadium erupted in tears of joy and happiness. A season that seemed destined to end in bitterness had concluded with complete joy.

Team spirit and the future

Da Nang's success doesn't come from one individual, but from the synergy of many factors. On the coaching bench, the duo of Phan Thanh Hung and Le Duc Tuan have worked together seamlessly, combining experience and youthful energy, scientific tactics with flexible adaptation.

They didn't create a noisy revolution, but rather a quiet yet effective adjustment: rebuilding the defense, creating opportunities for young players, and maintaining internal stability at a time when many other teams were constantly sacking their coaches.

On the pitch, Da Nang doesn't have a star player to carry the team like in previous seasons, but they have a united collective. Dinh Duy has matured at the right time, Tien Dung has revived his peak form, and Minh Tuan has rediscovered his killer instinct. This unity, both behind the scenes and on the pitch, creates a "DNA of overcoming difficulties" that is distinctly characteristic of the Han River region.

Behind the scenes, the support of the Da Nang City People's Committee and sponsors also played a crucial role. The 50 billion VND investment package for renovating the roof and turf of Hoa Xuan Stadium, approved mid-season, is clear evidence of their long-term commitment. The club also improved its financial resources, with guaranteed player salaries and bonuses, and fans contributing to a season ticket fund, creating a ripple effect.

Looking ahead, Da Nang has identified three key tasks for the 2025/26 season: retaining key players (Minh Tuan, Tien Dung, Dinh Duy); restructuring the squad with new, higher-quality foreign players; and especially upgrading the youth system. Coach Le Duc Tuan will also serve as the academy director to create continuity in training and developing local talent.

Securing survival after a do-or-die match is not just a milestone. For Da Nang, it's a fresh start – a testament that football isn't just about league position, but also about spirit, ambition, and teams that never give up.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/cuoc-hoi-sinh-ngoan-muc-147535.html