(Football results) - At Vinh Stadium, Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) put on a courageous display to beat Becamex TP.HCM 2-1 in the 11th round of the 2025/26 V-League.
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The match began with an open game as both teams started confidently. SLNA took the initiative to press high, while Becamex TP.HCM was ready to respond with quick counterattacks.
In the 18th minute, the visitors had their first chance when Minh Bình broke through on the right wing, but his shot lacked accuracy. Ten minutes later, Vinh Stadium erupted as Văn Cường cleverly broke through and set up Reon Moore perfectly, allowing him to easily score the opening goal 1-0 for the home team.
After conceding, Becamex TP.HCM pushed forward to equalize, but their plays lacked creativity. In the 34th minute, Mạnh Quỳnh missed a very clear chance when he faced the opponent’s goal.
At the end of the first half, SLNA nearly doubled their lead when Văn Cường fell inside the penalty area. However, after VAR review, the referee decided there was no penalty, a controversial moment that stirred the crowd at Vinh Stadium.
Becamex TP.HCM surprisingly equalized early in the second half. In the 48th minute, their captain Tùng Quốc executed a skillful move inside the box and fired a precise shot to level the score at 1-1.
After conceding the equalizer, SLNA remained composed. The Nghệ An team increased their tempo and continuously pressured goalkeeper Văn Công, who replaced Minh Toàn due to injury in the 38th minute.
Reon Moore almost restored the lead with a close-range chance but couldn’t get the shot off as desired. However, the Trinidad & Tobago striker didn’t have to wait long to shine.
In the 69th minute, following a well-coordinated play between Olaha and Reon Moore, the number 10 striker completed a double by calmly finishing inside the box, putting SLNA ahead 2-1 to the delight of thousands of fans at Vinh Stadium.
In the final minutes, Becamex TP.HCM threw everything forward but were completely blocked by the disciplined and tight defense of the home team. Despite five minutes of added time, the team from Thu Dau Mot could not create any clear chances.
The game concluded with a 2-1 win for Song Lam Nghe An, a result worthy of the resilient fighting spirit shown by coach Văn Sỹ Sơn’s squad. This victory temporarily lifts SLNA out of the relegation zone, offering hope in the survival battle.
For Becamex TP.HCM, this defeat means they remain stuck in the mid-table, missing the chance to build a safe gap. Although they had moments of control, coach Đặng Trần Chỉnh’s team lacked sharpness and creativity to change the game.
Starting lineups for SLNA vs Becamex TP HCM:
SLNA: Văn Bình, Văn Cường, Văn Thành, Justin Garcia, Văn Huy, Văn Lương, Bá Quyền, Khắc Ngọc, Long Vũ, Olaha, Moore
Becamex TP.HCM: Minh Toàn, Tùng Quốc, Đình Khương, Milos, Minh Trọng, Thành Nhân, Văn Anh, Trung Hiếu, Việt Cường, Hugo, Ugochukwu
After 10 rounds, SLNA has only 7 points, placing them in the lower half of the table, equal with the relegation-threatened group including Đà Nẵng, Thanh Hóa, and HAGL. A narrow 0-1 loss to league leaders Ninh Bình in round 10 keeps coach Văn Sỹ Sơn’s team in difficulty despite their commendable fighting spirit.
The bright spot of SLNA is their defense, which is gradually regaining solidity after a shaky start. Young goalkeeper Văn Bình and the main central defenders have played resiliently, making the Nghệ An team harder to break down. However, their biggest issue remains limited goal-scoring ability. Without an effective foreign striker, SLNA’s counterattacks often lack precision and sharpness in finishing.
Nevertheless, Vinh Stadium remains a “fortress” and the greatest moral support for the yellow-shirted team. The passionate Nghệ An fans always boost the players’ spirit to perform with full dedication. With home advantage and desire for victory, SLNA will definitely aim to secure all 3 points to escape danger.
On the other side, Becamex TP.HCM currently holds a slight edge with 11 points, ranking 8th on the table. Under coach Đặng Trần Chỉnh, the team from Ho Chi Minh City has noticeably improved their playstyle, no longer as vulnerable at the back as in the early season.
Becamex TP.HCM now plays pragmatically, prioritizing safety and making the most of counterattack chances. When visiting the notoriously tough Vinh Stadium, coach Đặng Trần Chỉnh is likely to adopt a defensive counterattacking strategy, leveraging the speed and strength of foreign players like Hugo and Ugochukwu to launch dangerous counters.
Becamex TPHCM’s flexibility in transition is a notable strength. They are willing to concede possession to SLNA but remain ready to strike quickly on the counter, which could be decisive in a highly tactical match.
Given the critical nature of this “six-point” match, both teams will surely start cautiously. SLNA is likely to control the game moderately, avoiding pushing too high to prevent falling into counterattack traps. Olaha will continue as a key figure, both organizing attacks and supporting defense.
Both sides are in a sensitive phase, so a small mistake could decide the outcome. It is expected that the match at Vinh will end with a balanced, tight game, possibly decided by an individual moment or set-piece.