The two earliest matches in round 10 on the evening of November 4 featured contrasting outcomes: Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh defeated HAGL 1-0 to enter the top five, while Hà Nội FC achieved a dominant 4-0 win over PVF CAND at Hàng Đẫy Stadium, highlighted by Hoàng Hên’s outstanding performance.
The match at Hà Tĩnh unfolded at a slow tempo with both teams cautious. After two impressive unbeaten games against Nam Định and Thể Công Viettel, HAGL played with greater confidence and solidity, waiting to counterattack. Meanwhile, the home team coached by Nguyễn Công Mạnh refrained from pushing forward aggressively to avoid exposing their flanks.
The first half saw almost no dangerous chances. Atshimene and Onoja worked hard to apply pressure, but young goalkeeper Trung Kiên stayed alert. HAGL responded with Marciel’s long-range shot that missed the target, but overall, the tight contest left both sides frustrated.
In the second half, the game became more lively as both teams played more aggressively. However, only Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh managed to get what they wanted. Their attacks down the left wing, especially with Atshimene’s dynamism, constantly threatened Trung Kiên’s goal.
In the 82nd minute, a crucial moment occurred. Young player Gia Bảo committed a serious foul on Onoja inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh. Atshimene calmly converted the spot-kick, beating Trung Kiên and securing a precious 1-0 victory for the home side. This was a bitter defeat for HAGL, especially as the team under sporting director Vũ Tiến Thành was energized and regaining confidence.
With 3 points earned against an opponent they had often drawn or lost to over the years, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh temporarily climbed to 5th place with 15 points. This is a commendable result for coach Nguyễn Công Mạnh’s squad.
Hoàng Hên’s shining performance (left) helps Hà Nội FC revive their hopes of competing for the championship this season. Photo: Hoàng Linh
This young coach continues to demonstrate his skill in his debut season leading the Central Vietnam team, building a connected and effective playing style. On the other hand, although HAGL lost, they were “fortunate” to avoid the bottom spot due to a -7 goal difference, ranking above PVF CAND (-10). Still, this defeat shows HAGL faces a tough struggle to escape the relegation battle.
Also on the evening of November 4, Hàng Đẫy Stadium witnessed a goal-filled match as Hà Nội FC overwhelmed PVF CAND. Under coach Harry Kewell’s guidance, the capital team showcased fast-paced and efficient finishing, something Hà Nội FC lacked in earlier rounds.
At the 13th minute, Passira opened the scoring, and before halftime, Fernando assisted Hoàng Hên to extend the lead to 2-0. In the second half, Hà Nội FC found it even easier to break down the visitors’ weak defense. Hoàng Hên scored again early in the second half, and Tuấn Hải sealed the 4-0 victory in the 81st minute with an assist from Văn Tùng. This was Hà Nội FC’s largest win this season.
The win brought Hà Nội FC to 14 points after 10 matches, temporarily moving them to mid-table and maintaining their hopes for the title race. With two wins in four matches under Harry Kewell, the capital club is gradually regaining its form. Notably, Hoàng Hên remains the standout player. The newly naturalized player has scored 3 goals in just 4 appearances, one of the best scoring rates currently in the V-League. His energy, skill, and varied finishing ability provide Hà Nội FC with a strong attacking option.
Meanwhile, PVF CAND continues to struggle deeply. Coach Thạch Bảo Khanh’s team has lost three consecutive matches, conceded 9 goals, and scored only one during this streak. With 7 points and a -10 goal difference, PVF CAND has dropped to the bottom of the table. This is an alarming situation for the young and inexperienced team lacking competitive toughness in their first V-League season.
Round 10 results (Tuesday, November 4):
Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh – HAGL: 1-0
Hà Nội FC – PVF CAND: 4-0
Round 10 schedule and live broadcast (Wednesday, November 5):
18:00 Ninh Bình – SLNA (FPT Play, VTV5, MyTV, TV360, SCTV)
18:00 Becamex TP.HCM – Hải Phòng (FPTPlay, HTV1, MyTV, TV360, SCTV)
18:00 SHB Đà Nẵng – Công an TP.HCM (FPT Play, HTV Thể thao, MyTV, TV360, SCTV)