The match between CA TP.HCM and Ninh Bình at Thống Nhất Stadium was filled with emotion and tension until the final moments, with a total of 7 goals scored and multiple twists from both teams.
Right from the opening minutes, the game intensified as Ninh Bình unexpectedly took the lead. In the 5th minute, from a corner kick, center-back Lê Hải Đức skillfully slipped behind the home defense and quickly shot. Despite goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang’s efforts to block, the ball crossed the line and the goal was confirmed by VAR.
However, CA TP.HCM responded quickly. In the 10th minute, from a tricky cross by Võ Hữu Việt Hoàng on the left flank, the ball passed through the 16m50 area, Tiến Linh rushed in applying pressure and caught Văn Lâm off guard, sending the ball directly into the net to equalize 1-1.
Ninh Bình defeated the hosts CA TP.HCM 4-3 in round 11 of the V-League. Photo: Hoàng Linh
The game continued at a fast pace. In the 17th minute, the home side launched a quick attack, Đức Phú broke through one-on-one but failed to beat Văn Lâm. However, Williams appeared at the right moment and scored on the rebound, giving CA TP.HCM a 2-1 lead, although VAR confirmation was needed.
While Ninh Bình’s defense was still distracted, the home team punished them again at the 45+1 minute mark. Makrillos delivered a perfect pass for Đức Phú to run onto and finish, increasing the score to 3-1.
Before the first half ended, Ninh Bình managed to reduce the gap. At stoppage time, Hoàng Đức positioned himself accurately and headed sharply past Lê Giang, bringing the score to 3-2 after 45 minutes.
In the second half, the visitors pushed forward determinedly to find an equalizer. In the 47th minute, from a right-wing cross, Gustavo Henrique jumped high to head the ball into CA TP.HCM’s net. The referee initially raised the offside flag, but VAR reviewed and allowed the goal, leveling the score at 3-3. Encouraged by the equalizer, Ninh Bình created several dangerous chances, though Gustavo Henrique and Gia Hưng missed their attempts.
CA TP.HCM also responded, with the most unfortunate moment coming in the 87th minute when Quang Hùng set up Tiến Linh for a diagonal shot that narrowly missed the post. Then the turning point came in the 89th minute, again from the right flank.