>>> V.League: SHB Da Nang hold HCM City to dramatic 2-2 draw
The Monday clash at Hang Day Stadium took centre stage on Matchday 7, featuring the confrontation between the reigning champions, who are among the strongest attackers this season, and Saigon FC, the only team to remain unbeaten after the first six matchdays (two wins and four draws).
The two teams produced a balanced game in the opening minutes, with the visitors starting the match confidently. The following minutes saw the hosts accelerate their pace deploying constant attacks along the right flank. Despite dominating ball possession, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side could not make any successful converters in the first half.
Three minutes after halftime, Saigon FC suddenly broke the deadlock with a superb display by Geovane Magno. The Brazilian midfielder confidently burst into the box before driving a fantastic left-footed curler toward the far corner, leaving the Hanoi FC goalkeeper flat-footed.
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(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
This was the third straight match Geovane Magno scored for Saigon FC after getting on the scoresheet against Hoang Anh Gia Lai (Matchday 5) and Hong Linh Ha Tinh (Matchday 6).
Throughout the remainder of the match, the reigning champions strengthened their pressure seeking to equalise the score. They came very close to realising that goal two minutes before the hour mark as Moses was brutally fouled by Van Trien in the box, earning the hosts a precious penalty.
Unfortunately, from the spot, captain Van Quyet let home fans down by shooting the ball high, forcing Chu Dinh Nghiem’s troops to drop points on their home field.
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(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
With their second defeat in a row, Hanoi FC fell to sixth place with only 10 points, four points adrift of leaders Ho Chi Minh City.
Meanwhile, the 1-0 victory lifted Saigon FC to second place with 13 points and helped Vu Tien Thanh’s side to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in a row.
At Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh FC recorded an amazing 3-0 win against higher-rated Song Lam Nghe An to temporarily escape the bottom with two points clear.
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Do Merlo scores a brace in Nam Dinh FC's 3-0 victory. (Photo: VPF)
In the remaining two matches, Thanh Hoa FC carried on with their fabulous run under newly appointed manager Nguyen Thanh Cong by beating Quang Ninh Coal 2-0 at home, while former champions Becamex Binh Duong were held to a 1-1 draw by newbies Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
V.League 2020 Table - Matchday 7
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