>>> Defending champions Viettel slump to 1-0 defeat to Hai Phong
>>> Flying high Nam Dinh rock last season’s runners-up Hanoi in season opener
Tran Phi Son handed the hosts a flying start by driving an unstoppable strike towards the far top corner in the 26th minute.
Pham Minh Duc’s side had the chance to put the game to bed before the break with two penalties, which, however, were both squandered disappointingly by Claudecir.
In the 33rd minute, the Brazilian forward was knocked down in the area, but carelessly managed the resulting penalty off the post.
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Claudecir seized an opportunity to redeem himself when Hong Linh Ha Tinh were awarded a second penalty in injury time following Tien Duy’s foul on Van Vi. However, once again, the 2017 top scorer let home fans down by failing to beat Quang Ninh goalkeeper Hoai Anh.
In the second half, Pham Minh Duc’s troops paid sharply for their first-half wastefulness as Eydison netted a brace within the last 15 minutes to gift the away side a fantastic 2-1 opening triumph.
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Quang Ninh Coal's Eydison and Mac Hong Quan celebrate after the match. (Photo: VPF)
Speaking after the match, the Hong Linh Ha Tinh manager did not hide his sadness and disappointment at the bitter result. “I have never played such a game as this before. Nobody had thought we would be the losing side. That’s crazy.”
The victory has sent Quang Ninh Coal FC to second in the standings with three points, behind leaders Nam Dinh FC on goal difference.
On the same day, Thai manager Kiatisuk Senamuang succumbed to a 0-1 away defeat against Saigon FC in his debut with Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC. The only goal of the match was scored by Do Merlo in the 40th minute.
SHB Da Nang recorded a 1-0 victory over Ho Chi Minh City thanks to a solitary goal by striker Ha Duc Chinh.
V.League 1-2021 Table after Matchday 1
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