Narrowly defeating Hai Phong, Nam Dinh Steel Blue won all 3 points on the opening day.

On the evening of August 16, the next matches of round 1 of V.League 2025-2026 took place, with the highlight being the confrontation between defending champion Thep Xanh Nam Dinh (TXND) and Hai Phong FC at Thien Truong Stadium.

Defending champion Nam Dinh Green Steel had a difficult match. Photo: Quang Duong

With the higher strength, the home team TXND quickly imposed their playing style and controlled the ball up to 65% in the early stages of the match. However, the away team's defense played solidly, making the speed of the match not high in the early stages. Not only that, the defensive counter-attacking style of play helped Hai Phong unexpectedly score the opening goal.

In the 32nd minute, from a combination on the right wing, Trung Hieu made a pass into the middle for Luiz Antonio to jump high and head the ball past goalkeeper Nguyen Manh, putting Hai Phong up 1-0. After conceding the goal, TXND pressed forward to find an equalizer but were stuck in front of the disciplined defense of the away team and were unable to score for the rest of the first half.

Nam Dinh Green Steel won all 3 points on the opening day. Photo: Quang Duong

In the second half, TXND's attacking style continued to be maintained. The team from Thanh Nam continuously stuffed the ball into the penalty area and was finally rewarded with an equalizer.

In the 67th minute, Kyle Farren Hudlin skillfully maneuvered in the penalty area before returning the ball for Ly Cong Hoang Anh to quickly finish, equalizing 1-1 for the home team. The goal helped TXND play more enthusiastically, continuously creating pressure on Hai Phong's goal.

In the 88th minute, Brenner controlled the ball in the penalty area and then took a technical shot but was blocked by goalkeeper Dinh Trieu. Immediately, Kevin Pham Ba rushed in to score the rebound, raising the score to 2-1. VAR was used to check the validity of the goal and the referee decided to award it to TXND.

In the remaining minutes, both teams did not score any more goals. In the end, Nam Dinh Blue Steel won a close 2-1 victory, bringing home all 3 points on the opening day of V.League 2025-2026.

In the match on the same day, Ho Chi Minh City Police Club won Hanoi FC with a score of 2-1.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thang-sat-nut-hai-phong-thep-xanh-nam-dinh-gianh-tron-3-diem-ngay-ra-quan-712931.html