V.League: Hanoi FC stop HCM City’s fairytale run

Ho Chi Minh City’s amazing six-game unbeaten run in V.League 2019 was halted by Hanoi FC on Saturday (April 27), as forward Hoang Vu Samson scored to gift the reigning champions a narrow 1-0 win against manager Chung Hae-seong’s side in their Matchday 7 encounter at Hang Day stadium.

Hoang Vu Samson (in blue) scores a solitary goal for Hanoi FC. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Hoang Vu Samson (in blue) scores a solitary goal for Hanoi FC. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

The important victory helped Hanoi FC to knock HCM City off the top spot, resuming their leading position in the title race with one point clear.

The clash between the only two unbeaten teams had been strongly anticipated by fans, as whichever side won the game would get the upper hand against their direct competitors en route to the overall trophy.

Given that fact, Hanoi FC headed into the match with strong determination and soon proved the power of the reigning champions by dominating ball possession throughout the first half.

Naturalised forward Hoang Vu Samson was offered the most opportunities to score before the break. He missed the chance to open the scoring after six minutes as his tight-angled shot was parried by HCM City keeper Thanh Thang.

On the stroke of half time, Samson managed to break the deadlock, taking a subtle through ball from Quang Hai before driving an accurate finish toward the far bottom corner.

Hanoi FC and HCM City players fight for the ball during the match. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

The unexpected goal forced HCM City to intensify their attacks in the second half, seeking for an equaliser. The guests’ no. 1 striker Vinicius produced constant threats to the goal of Hanoi keeper Van Cong, only to see his efforts stopped by the hosts’ stubborn defence.

Failing to net the ball during the remainder of the match, HCM City returned home empty-handed and were forced to admit their first defeat of the season, handing over their top spot to Hanoi FC, making Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side the only team to remain unbeaten in V.League up to present.

In other matches, third-placed Song Lam Nghe An missed the chance to sweep past HCM City in the table after being held to a goalless draw by Nam Dinh FC at home.

After their 0-2 defeat at HCM City in the previous round, newly promoted Viettel rediscovered the taste of victory by beating former champions Quang Nam FC with the same score.

Earlier on April 26, Hai Phong FC edged out former champions Becamex Binh Duong 3-2 to jump to fourth place in the table with 13 points.