V.League: Khanh Hoa relegated, Thanh Hoa qualify for play-off

Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN will have to play in the First Division next season after wrapping up their 2019 V.League campaign in bottom place with a humiliating 1-4 loss against Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) on the last matchday (Oct. 23).

Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN (in yellow) have undergone a forgettable V.League season.
Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN (in yellow) have undergone a forgettable V.League season.

Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa FC played out a 1-1 away draw with Becamex Binh Duong to finish second from bottom, thus qualifying for the relegation play-off match against Pho Hien FC, the runners-up of the 2019 First Division.

Prior to their trip to Pleiku Stadium, Khanh Hoa no longer had the right to self-determine their fate, as whether or not they could retain their V.League hopes depended on the playing attitude of at least three teams, including HAGL, Thanh Hoa and Becamex Binh Duong.

However, under huge pressure, Vo Dinh Tan’s side promptly collapsed against HAGL.

Minh Vuong took a pass from Tuan Anh to open the scoring for the hosts in the 26th minute before Van Toan doubled their advantage just two minutes later.

Chaher pulled a goal back for the away side five minutes after the hour mark, only to see his effort cancelled out by Van Toan and Minh Vuong, who both scored in the remainder of the match to complete their braces and seal a comfortable win for HAGL.

The defeat wrapped up a forgettable season for Sanna Khanh Hoa as they only managed to score 25 points after 26 matches.

Quang Ninh Coal outclassed reigning champions Hanoi FC 4-2 on home turf to claim the overall bronze medal with 39 points, three clear of Becamex Binh Duong and Saigon FC, who trounced Nam Dinh 4-1 at home.

The 2019 V.League is considered a success for Viettel FC. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

The 2019 V.League could be considered a success for newbies Viettel FC as they settled for sixth place overall after 11 wins and three draws, including a commanding 5-3 home win against SHB Da Nang on Wednesday.

In other fixtures, Quang Nam FC tied 2-2 with Song Lam Nghe An, while Hai Phong slumped to a 1-2 home defeat against reigning runners-up Ho Chi Minh City.

After the match at Cua Ong Stadium, Hanoi FC were awarded with the V.League championship trophy, a well-deserved reward for Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side after their amazing season of 15 wins, eight draws and only three losses.

Hanoi FC celebrate their 2019 V.League trophy.

In addition, Hanoi forward Nguyen Van Quyet was named the most valuable player of the 2019 V.League for his significant contributions to the capital team’s success, including nine goals and seven assists.

The “Golden Boot” prize was shared by two foreign strikers, Pape Omar (Hanoi FC) and Bruno (Viettel), who scored 15 goals each after 26 matchdays.

Tran Minh Vuong (HAGL) was the most prolific Vietnamese player with a tally of 12 goals.