Hero Bui Tien Dung

Bui Tien Dung brilliantly saved Cong Phuong's penalty kick.

The turning point of the play-off match for a spot in the 2025/26 V.League came in the 76th minute at Thong Nhat Stadium. At that time, Da Nang was leading Binh Phuoc 1-0. In a tense and fiercely contested match, the First Division team unexpectedly received a golden opportunity to bring the game back to a tie. The Malaysian referee awarded Binh Phuoc a penalty after Tu Nhan was fouled inside the penalty area.

From the penalty spot, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Binh Phuoc 's brightest star, had the opportunity to score an equalizer. But in front of him was his former teammate - goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. These two names, who once wrote the miracle of Changzhou in 2018 and played alongside each other for Ho Chi Minh City FC, now face off in a crucial moment of the season.

And this time, the winner was Bui Tien Dung. The goalkeeper, born in 1997, made a precise save to block Cong Phuong's decisive shot. A pivotal save, not only extinguishing Binh Phuoc's chances of returning to the match, but also giving Da Nang renewed confidence in the final stretch of the season.

Just minutes after that save, Da Nang scored to make it 2-0, officially ending Binh Phuoc's dream of promotion. The match ended with a victory for the team from the Han River. Coach Le Duc Tuan's team remained in the V.League, while Cong Phuong and Binh Phuoc will have to wait another season for a chance to turn their lives around.

Bui Tien Dung (photo 1)

Bui Tien Dung played a major role in helping Da Nang successfully avoid relegation.

On that fateful day, no one deserved to be mentioned more than Bui Tien Dung. Not only did he make a spectacular penalty save, but the goalkeeper from Thanh Hoa also made numerous diving saves for Da Nang throughout the tense 90 minutes. He was a source of moral support for the entire team during their challenging journey.

Earlier, Bui Tien Dung made a significant impact in round 22 when he advanced forward to participate in the attack and scored a goal in the final minute of injury time against Binh Dinh. In that match, Da Nang won 3-1 and pushed their opponent down to the bottom of the table. It was a goal born of daring, courageous spirit, and a desperate determination to survive.

This season has been a special journey for Bui Tien Dung. From seemingly being forgotten, wandering through many teams without finding a place, he found his way back to Da Nang. His consistency and composure in goal have made Bui Tien Dung a key factor in the team's journey to overcome difficulties.

Bui Tien Dung's penalty save against Cong Phuong was like a confirmation that he's not past his prime. Amidst doubts and wary glances, the goalkeeper from Thanh Hoa quietly bounced back, regaining his form and confidence after years of decline. In what was considered the "final" of the season, Tien Dung not only helped his team avoid relegation but also affirmed his own worth.

In football, there are career-defining moments, and the 76th minute at Thong Nhat Stadium will be an unforgettable milestone in Bui Tien Dung's journey. That play-off match not only helped Da Nang stay in the V.League, but also helped a former hero of the Vietnam U23 team to relive his career in a new jersey, with the belief that he can still create something special.