V.League 1-2021 Matchweek 5

Second half goals bring Hoang Anh Gia Lai to top of V.League 1

Three goals scored in the second half handed Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) a fantastic 3-0 win over title holders Viettel FC on March 24 that has lifted Kiatisuk’s side past Hanoi FC to stay top of the table with one point clear.

Vu Van Thanh (L) contributes a brace to HAGL's 3-0 victory over Viettel FC on March 24. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Vu Van Thanh (L) contributes a brace to HAGL's 3-0 victory over Viettel FC on March 24. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

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Favourite forward Nguyen Cong Phuong came off the bench to break the deadlock in the 57th minute before teammate Vu Van Thanh scored a brace to earn the guests their third win of the season.

Both teams started the match cautiously, but Viettel made good use of their home-field advantage to create some clear-cut opportunities. Unluckily, these chances were not successfully converted, with Bui Tien Dung’s header hitting the post and unmarked Duong Van Hao’s intended curler going wide 10 minutes earlier.

After halftime, the two managers deployed their key blows, but it was the HAGL boss, Kiatisuk, who got the upper hand. In the 53rd minute, he sent striker Cong Phuong onto the field in replacement of Nguyen Trung Dai Duong. The No. 10 immediately proved his value by driving a superb left-footed curler towards the far left bottom corner to score his first goal of the season.

HAGL forward Nguyen Van Toan (L) in action during the match. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

No sooner had Viettel manager Truong Viet Hoang made any responses than HAGL added two other goals to put the game to bed. Within only eight minutes after the hour mark, Van Thanh received two assists from Brandao (60’) and Van Toan (68’) to score a double, thus helping Kiatisuk’s troops leave Hang Day Stadium with an amazing 3-0 victory.

HAGL are now staying at the top with 10 points, one point clear of the five teams behind – Quang Ninh Coal, Hanoi FC, SHB Da Nang, Hai Phong FC and Becamex Binh Duong. Meanwhile, reigning champions Viettel FC currently stand in ninth place with seven points.

On the same day, Becamex Binh Duong edged past Saigon FC 1-0 at home, while Quang Ninh Coal recorded a 2-0 home win against Thanh Hoa FC. Hong Linh Ha Tinh tasted the victory for the first time this season after beating Hai Phong FC 1-0 on their home field.

V.League 1-2021 Table - Matchweek 5