>>> Cong Phuong inspires HAGL towards fabulous win against HCM City
Brazilian striker Rafaelson delivered a brilliant personal showing, scoring a hat-trick in the second half to move Le Huynh Duc’s side within one point of the top of the table.
After two consecutive away losses, Thanh Hoa were determined to grab the full three points when returning home to host SHB Da Nang. Petrovic’s troops proactively attacked right from the opening whistle and enjoyed three clear-cut chances to take the lead after only 10 minutes.
In the eighth minute, Van Thang was sent through to slot it in from close range, but his shot was stopped at the goal line by Cong Nhat’s head. Just one minute later, Hoang Vu Samson missed out on an opener for the hosts twice in a row with a strike at the crossbar and a header that was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Tuan Manh.
Meanwhile, SHB Da Nang only managed to produce a solitary chance throughout the first half, with a header from Janclesio being pushed over the crossbar by keeper Thanh Diep.
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Thanh Hoa FC's Hoang Vu Samson in action with SHB Da Nang goalkeeper Tuan Manh. (Photo: VPF)
After halftime, Thanh Hoa FC maintained their pressure and again came close to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute as Van Thang drove another attempt at the post.
Rafaelson punished the hosts’ wastefulness immediately afterwards by matching Duc Chinh’s delivery with a close-range header to open the scoring for Le Huynh Duc’s side.
Duc Chinh missed the chance to make it 2-0 by hitting the post in the 80th minute, but the guests needed only one more minute to double their advantage with Rafaelson taking a clever through ball before shooting past goalie Thanh Diep.
Thanh Hoa successfully pulled a goal back in the 86th minute, which, however, turned out to be just a consolation for Petrovic’s side, because Rafaelson completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to secure a convincing 3-1 win for the away team.
SHB Da Nang are on third with 12 points, behind Quang Ninh Coal on goal difference and just one point off leaders HAGL.
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Players of Hanoi FC and Hong Linh Ha Tinh battle for the ball during their match on March 29. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
On the same day, former champions Becamex Binh Duong were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Topenland Binh Dinh. Meanwhile, a last-gasp goal by Geovane rescued Hanoi FC from a home defeat against second-from-bottom Hong Linh Ha Tinh in a 1-1 tie at Hang Day Stadium.
V.League 1-2021 Table - Matchweek 6
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