Match preview: The Cong Viettel vs Hanoi FC: A fiery derby.

The Hanoi derby between The Cong Viettel and Hanoi FC at 7:15 PM on September 14th is the highlight of the 2025/26 National Cup qualifying round.

Right in the opening match of the 2025/26 National Cup, two "giants" of Vietnamese football, The Cong Viettel and Hanoi FC, had to eliminate each other to secure a place in the next round. The clash at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of September 14th became the focal point as both teams possessed strong squads and had high ambitions for this season.

Viettel FC has started the new season well. The military team is currently ranked 3rd in the V-League standings, behind CAHN and Ninh Binh . Compared to last year, Coach Popov's squad is considered to be of higher quality, possessing many stars, including domestic and foreign players, as well as Vietnamese players living abroad.

In the last three V-League matches, new signings like Kyle Colonna, Lucao, and Damian Vu Thanh An have shone, making their mark in The Cong Viettel's victories. Their rapid integration allows coach Popov to prepare a variety of strategies for each game.

The Cong Viettel team is in excellent form. Photo: SN

With a deep squad and a solid run in the V-League, The Cong Viettel are very confident going into their opening match against Hanoi FC in the National Cup. In particular, coach Popov is a highly experienced and successful figure in this competition, having previously led Thanh Hoa to two consecutive league titles.

In contrast to the impressive performance of The Cong Viettel, Hanoi FC has had a truly difficult start to the season, yet to taste victory. In the first two rounds, Van Quyet and his teammates lost to CA TP.HCM and were held to a draw by HAGL, before losing to CAHN in round 3 of the V-League.

However, the capital city team will regain its image and position if it wins against The Cong Viettel. If Hanoi FC does not achieve the desired result, coach Makoto Teguramori's position is likely to be in jeopardy.

In this situation, Hanoi FC must do everything to defeat The Cong Viettel, but it is clear that this will not be an easy match for coach Makoto Teguramori's team.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-the-cong-viettel-dau-ha-noi-fc-19h15-ngay-14-9-2442183.html