>>> Second-placed Viettel held 1-1 at home by SHB Da Nang
The two teams created a plethora of opportunities, but the guests made better use of theirs to seal the full three points thanks to Truong Van Thai Quy (71’), Nguyen Thanh Chung (76’) and Rimario Gordon (88’).
Hanoi FC are now four points above eighth-placed Thanh Hoa FC. With two rounds left to go in the first phase of V.League, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s troops will only need one more win to officially book a place in the phase two title race, open only to the top eight teams of phase one.
Friday’s clash at Thong Nhat Stadium had been much anticipated by fans as it was a repeat of the 2019 National Super Cup match in March, which saw Hanoi lift the trophy with a 2-1 comeback win.
Captain Van Quyet was a highlight for the away side before the break with two clear-cut opportunities. In the 16th minute, he took advantage of defender Cong Thanh’s mistake to face down goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung, but hit the crossbar. Van Quyet managed to beat the HCM City goalie after Tan Tai’s through ball 12 minutes later; however, the goal was disallowed as the referee ruled the Hanoi skipper was offside.
HCM City sought the award of two penalties during the remainder of the first half as centre back Nguyen Thanh Chung accidentally handballed. The referee denied both their requests, triggering a verbal backlash from the host team.
Six minutes after the restart, HMC City forward Amido Balde wasted an opportunity to open the scoring, skewing a volley high before teammate Ngo Hoang Thinh saw his powerful long-range attempt blocked by Hanoi goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong.
Thanh Chung doubles the advantage for Hanoi FC. (Photo: VPF)
The deadlock was broken in the 71st minute with Truong Van Thai Quy heading home from close range to put the guests in front. Five minutes later, the 23-year-old midfielder provided an assist for Thanh Chung to slot a second goal and double their advantage.
HCM City could have pulled back a goal with 10 minutes to go, but Cong Thanh’s left-footed rocket hit the crossbar.
Hanoi FC put the game to bed in the 88th minute with Rimario Gordon adding their third goal after Hung Dung’s cross.
In other matches on the same day, leaders Saigon FC had a difficult match at bottom-placed Quang Nam FC, needing a hat-trick by Pedro Paulo (53’, 70’ and 73’) to snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw against the host team. Such a brilliant display helped Pedro Paulo take control of the season’s scoring tally with seven goals, one clear of Hanoi FC’s Rimario Gordon.
Quang Nam FC (in blue) play a good match against leaders Saigon FC. (Photo: VPF)
Quang Ninh Coal climbed to third place following their 2-0 home win against Song Lam Nghe An, while Hai Phong FC were held to a 1-1 draw at home by V.League newbies Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
V.League 2020 Table - Matchday 11
