Hero Cao Văn Bình leads SLNA to secure early relegation survival.

VTV.vn - With a narrow 1-0 victory in a dramatic "relegation battle" in Round 24 of the V-League 2025/2026 on the evening of May 24th, Song Lam Nghe An officially secured their place in the league for next season with two rounds to spare. Goalkeeper Cao Van Binh became the hero of the match by successfully saving a penalty.

Entering a crucial relegation battle, both Becamex Ho Chi Minh City and Song Lam Nghe An started under immense pressure. With the home advantage, coach Hua Hien Vinh's team quickly launched an overwhelming offensive, launching relentless attacks. Conversely, the Nghe An team opted for a slower pace, dropping deep to protect goalkeeper Cao Van Binh's goal.

A crucial six-point match between Becamex TPHCM and SLNA. Photo: Becamex TPHCM Club.

Amidst the intense match, an unusual incident occurred when the Binh Duong stadium suddenly lost power, interrupting the game for over ten minutes. After the problem was resolved, Song Lam Nghe An proactively pushed their formation higher in the final minutes of the first half to relieve pressure on their defense. However, the concentration of goalkeepers from both sides meant that the first 45 minutes ended without any goals being scored.

Just six minutes into the second half, a cold shower fell upon the stands at Go Dau Stadium. In the 51st minute, following a perfectly placed cross and header, Van Luong rose high to unleash a powerful shot after a flawless assist from his teammate Olaha.

The drama reached its climax in the 57th minute when the referee awarded a penalty to Becamex Ho Chi Minh City after a SLNA player handled the ball inside the penalty area. Facing the dangerous penalty kick from striker Viet Cuong of the home team, 21-year-old goalkeeper Cao Van Binh – the hero who helped Vietnam U23 win third place at the 2026 Asian Championship – made a spectacular save. Immediately afterwards, the ball rebounded, but Ho Chi Minh City's follow-up shot went wide, a golden opportunity to equalize the score.

Goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình became the hero, helping SLNA avoid relegation. Photo: FBNV

In the final minutes of the match, the atmosphere on the field was incredibly tense. SLNA didn't hesitate to engage in physical challenges, with Ho Tan Tai even receiving a direct red card in the 89th minute after a brutal tackle to protect the scoreline. Playing with ten men in the final minutes, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City couldn't make a difference and accepted a 0-1 defeat at home.

With a 1-0 victory, SLNA officially secured their place in the league with two rounds remaining. Meanwhile, this defeat puts Becamex Ho Chi Minh City in a relegation battle, facing fierce competition from the two bottom teams, Da Nang and PVF-CAND.

Source: https://thethao.vtv.vn/nguoi-hung-cao-van-binh-dua-slna-tru-hang-som-101260524230746492.htm