The Cong Viettel continues to chase the top spot.

On the evening of April 10th, a 1-0 victory against Thanh Hoa helped The Cong Viettel maintain their second position in the V-League 2025/2026 standings, temporarily narrowing the gap with league leaders Hanoi Police to just 6 points. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa returned to reality after their impressive win in the previous round.

Dong A Thanh Hoa (in yellow jerseys) were unable to overcome the home team The Cong Viettel . (Photo: TRAN HAI)

Entering the 18th round match with the determination to secure all three points, both teams opted for an aggressive style of play from the very first minutes. The Cong Viettel aimed to continue chasing the championship race, while Thanh Hoa strived to accumulate points to improve their position in the standings.

The two teams perform the flag-raising ceremony before the match. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

In the second minute, the match became tense when home team center-back Kyle Colonna nearly received a red card after fouling Rimario just outside the penalty area. However, Van Tung's subsequent free kick hit the defensive wall of The Cong Viettel.

In the 5th minute, Wesley Nata put the ball into the net after a delicate pass from Lucao, but the goal was disallowed due to offside in the preceding situation. The Cong Viettel continued to maintain pressure when Van Nam's shot went wide of the post in the 17th minute, and then Lucao tried his luck with a long-range shot in the 24th minute but couldn't beat goalkeeper Y Êli Niê.

Goalkeeper Y Êli Niê played with great effort. (Photo: TRẦN HẢI)

In the 29th minute, the home team put the ball into Thanh Hoa's net once again after the visiting goalkeeper fumbled a cross from Phan Tuan Tai. However, after consulting VAR, the referee determined that Lucao had committed a foul before scoring, so the goal was again disallowed.

Thanh Hoa also had a notable opportunity in the 39th minute when Rimario made a powerful run, breaking through to face goalkeeper Van Viet, but his final shot went wide of the post.

The two teams were tied 0-0 after the first half. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

In the second half, the attacking style of play continued, but The Cong Viettel created more dangerous opportunities. Consecutive shots from Lucao, Pedro Henrique, and Huu Thang in the 48th, 60th, and 62nd minutes respectively were all unsuccessful due to a lack of accuracy in their finishing.

The perseverance of the military team finally paid off in the 72nd minute. In a challenge with Lucao inside the penalty area, Thanh Hoa's central defender Trinh Van Loi handled the ball, causing the referee to immediately award The Cong Viettel a penalty.

The Cong Viettel team is looking for opportunities to take the lead. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

From the penalty spot, Pedro Henrique slipped while taking the shot and goalkeeper Y Êli Niê managed to get a hand on the ball, but it still went into the net, opening the scoring for the home team.

The final minutes of the match were tense, with numerous clashes between players from both teams. Coach Velizar Popov reacted strongly to the referee's decisions and was sent off by referee Viết Duẩn.

The military team secured a crucial victory in the championship race. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

In the end, The Cong Viettel secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Thanh Hoa, thereby maintaining pressure in the championship race and narrowing the gap with league leaders Hanoi Police to just 6 points.

PHAN THACH - TRAN HAI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/the-cong-viettel-tiep-tiep-bam-duoi-ngoi-dau-post954748.html