Minh Vương (HAGL) and Quang Hải (CAHN) in the first leg. Who will win in the second leg? Photo: VPF
Pressure on Coach Polking
In the first leg, HAGL, despite being considered the underdog, defeated CAHN 1-0 in Pleiku. Although considered a strong contender for the championship, CAHN is showing signs of faltering in the title race, trailing league leaders Nam Dinh by 9 points. Most recently, they struggled to come from behind and beat bottom-placedSHB Da Nang 2-1 in round 17.
Meanwhile, despite having a squad with many young players, and sometimes lacking key players due to suspensions, HAGL has consistently managed to cause strong teams to drop points. The 4-0 victory against B. Binh Duong in Pleiku in round 17 is a prime example.
Currently sitting in 5th place in the standings, CAHN still has a chance to compete for the championship. However, CAHN must improve their inconsistent form and avoid losing points unnecessarily in the crucial final stages of the race. Ahead is a tough match against HAGL – a team that plays a very dangerous counter-attacking style. Furthermore, the home team CAHN will continue to be without striker Leo Artur (8 goals) due to injury. The pressure is therefore even greater for coach Alexandre Polking.
HAGL is ready to spring a surprise.
The resounding victory against B.Binh Duong not only ended a streak of 5 matches in which they only earned 2 points, but also propelled HAGL from a position struggling to avoid relegation, to 8th place with 21 points after 17 matches, 4 points behind CAHN.
With a relaxed mindset, HAGL will be even more dangerous and ready to spring surprises against strong opponents. However, HAGL also faces difficulties against CAHN due to a significant shortage of players.
Besides the absence of 22-year-old center-back Pham Ly Duc (injury), HAGL will also be without two midfielders, Marciel Silva and Vo Dinh Lam, due to suspensions. Marciel Silva is a key player in HAGL's counter-attacking style of play, with 4 goals and 5 assists.
Nevertheless, Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh confidently stated: "HAGL's goal is one point. The absence of Marciel Silva and Vo Dinh Lam is regrettable. But this is not a disadvantage for HAGL because I will create opportunities for young players to play. This is HAGL's goal and strategy this season. In fact, the young players all perform well when given the chance."
In their victory against B.Binh Duong, HAGL introduced 18-year-old center-back Dinh Quang Kiet (1.92m) as a replacement for Pham Ly Duc. Making his first start, Quang Kiet performed well against strikers like Cheick Timite and Tien Linh. It is highly likely that this young center-back will continue to be trusted in the match against CAHN.
Live broadcast schedule for the remaining two matches: Quang Nam - Quy Nhon Binh Dinh (5 PM,FPT Play live broadcast), Thanh Hoa - Song Lam Nghe An (6 PM, FPT Play live broadcast).
Viktor Le shines
On the evening of April 11th, The Cong - Viettel FC drew 2-2 with hosts Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT) in the early match of Round 18 of the V-League 2024-2025. Huu Thang and Khuat Van Khang scored twice to give the visitors the lead, while Mbo Noel and Huynh Tien Dat equalized for the home team.
Notably, both of HLHT's goals were assisted by 22-year-old Vietnamese-Russian player Viktor Lê. This is incredibly good news for coach Kim Sang Sik as he prepares for the SEA Games 33.
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NGUYEN KHOI
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tam-diem-san-hang-day-2025041211175544.htm
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