Latest HAGL match schedule: Mr. Vu Tien Thanh faces Coach Popov, extremely hot in Pleiku

The bottom team HAGL meets the second-placed team The Cong Viettel. In theory, the away team The Cong Viettel is much stronger, but who knows, this might be an easy match for HAGL.

This is an opportunity for HAGL to showcase their signature counter-attacking style of play.

Under the guidance of Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh and Head Coach Le Quang Trai, HAGL will host The Cong Viettel at Pleiku Stadium on Sunday (October 26). Under the tutelage of the charismatic coach Popov, The Cong Viettel is currently ranked second in the V-League 2025-2026 standings with 15 points after 7 matches, while HAGL is at the bottom with only 3 points after 6 matches. The threat of relegation looms large for the team from the mountainous region. The tactical battle between these coaches promises to be exciting and intense.

Coach Popov had a strong personality.

Photo: Minh Tú

HAGL's technical director Vu Tien Thanh (right) is also very sharp.

Photo: Minh Tú

HAGL (in yellow jerseys) is currently at the bottom of the V-League standings.

Photo: Dong Nghi

Viettel Sports has an advantage over HAGL in terms of squad strength, form, and confidence before the match. However, this might be an easier game for HAGL compared to their other matches. The current standings of both teams suggest that Viettel Sports will likely play an attacking game, aiming to secure all three points against HAGL and continue chasing league leaders Ninh Binh .

The problem is that the more attacking The Cong Viettel plays, the easier it will be for HAGL in this match. The team from Pleiku currently excels at defensive counter-attacking football. HAGL fears teams that play slowly and with a low defensive line the most. Conversely, against opponents who play an attacking style and are willing to push their formation high up the field, HAGL seems to favor them.

The gains outweigh the losses.

If Viettel pushes their attacking line forward, HAGL will have the opportunity to use long passes, allowing their forwards to race against the opponent's high-positioned defense. HAGL's attacking line may not be adept at controlling the ball against well-organized defenses with enough players to cover all the gaps. However, against defenses that are thinned out by pushing high up the pitch, HAGL's forwards will have more space to operate.

The team from the mountain town prefers to play defensive counter-attacking football.

Photo: Minh Tú

Moreover, when playing against The Cong Viettel, HAGL players will not face pressure. At the moment, perhaps very few people expect a victory for the team from the mountainous region against Coach Popov's (Bulgarian) squad. Once they are relaxed, HAGL players will be more fluid in their finishing, thus increasing their chances of scoring compared to previous matches.

In any case, HAGL has consistently disappointed against various opponents since the start of the 2025-2026 V-League season, so for them now, facing a strong team like The Cong Viettel is probably no different from facing mid-table or weak teams. If HAGL can pull off an upset against The Cong Viettel, they will attract the attention of the entire V-League. Conversely, if they "accidentally" lose another match against the team currently second in the standings, perhaps Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh and his players will have reason to say that the opponent was simply too strong!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-hagl-moi-nhat-ong-vu-tien-thanh-cham-tran-hlv-popov-cuc-nong-o-pleiku-185251024162725791.htm