Beating Thai League runners-up, Hanoi FC through to AFC Champions League playoffs

Captain Nguyen Van Quyet scored the only goal of the match, from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, to help Hanoi FC narrrowly beat Thailand’s Bangkok United 1-0 on February 12 to advance to the play-off round of the 2019 AFC Champions League.

Captain Van Quyet (No. 10) scores the decisive goal from the penalty spot to help take Hanoi FC through to the AFC Champions League playoffs. (Photo: Hanoi FC)
Captain Van Quyet (No. 10) scores the decisive goal from the penalty spot to help take Hanoi FC through to the AFC Champions League playoffs. (Photo: Hanoi FC)

The 1-0 victory in Preliminary Stage 2 at the Thammasat Stadium on Tuesday brings Hanoi to face Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng on February 19.

Facing strong opponents Bangkok, who finished runners-up in the 2018 Thai Premier League, Hanoi showed their determination to win by launching their strongest squad, with multiple stars featuring in the national team, including Quang Hai, Duy Manh, Van Hau, Duc Huy, Hung Dung and Van Quyet, as well as three foreign players - Mc Donald, Omar and Oseni. Just as claimed in the pre-match statement by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem, Hanoi played actively to control the game.

The Hanoi team constantly launched fine offensives towards the goal of Bangkok goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard. If they were luckier and more accurate in the finishing, Hanoi would have been able to break the deadlock in the first half.

In the 34th minute, receiving the ball from Van Quyet, Hung Dung launched a strong finish that forced Falkesgaard to make a save for Bangkok United. Just a few minutes later, Oseni missed a golden opportunity to open the score as his shot ended up right in the position of the home keeper.

Hanoi star Nguyen Quang Hai in action during the match. (Photo: Hanoi FC)

In the second half, the match became more balanced as the two teams played "tit for tat", however, finishing was still the biggest problem of both sides.

When everyone thought that the match would have to be decided by penalty shootout, the turning point came, as defender Everton brought down Oseni in the penalty area in the 88th minute, and a penalty was given to the visitors.

Van Quyet made no mistake from the spot, giving the 2018 V.League champions a place in the playoffs.

Hanoi will face Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng on February 19. A win will grant Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side a direct ticket to the group stage of the 2019 AFC Champions League.