Viettel narrowly defeats Thanh Hoa, maintaining pressure on the top spot

(Football result) - Viettel overcame Thanh Hoa with a minimal 1-0 score at Hang Day Stadium, thereby continuing to fiercely chase the top position in V-League 2025/26 after round 18.

On April 10 evening (Vietnam time), Viettel hosted Thanh Hoa at Hang Day Stadium within the framework of round 18 of V-League 2025/26, aiming to secure all 3 points to continue pursuing the championship race.

The match started with a fairly open situation as Thanh Hoa proactively entered the game. In the 3rd minute, Van Tung had an opportunity from a free kick but could not pass Viettel's defensive wall. The visiting team continued to exert pressure in the 10th minute with Ba Tien's dangerous cross, however Phan Tuan Tai timely intervened.

On the other side, Viettel also soon responded. In the 6th minute, Wesley put the ball into Thanh Hoa's net, but the goal was not recognized due to a foul beforehand. By the 33rd minute, goalkeeper Y Eli Nie handled poorly from a corner situation, creating an opportunity for Huu Thang to finish, but Thanh Hoa's defense timely cleared the danger.

The clearest opportunity in the first half belonged to Rimario when he sprinted to face the goalkeeper in the 40th minute, but his finishing shot narrowly missed the post. The two teams entered halftime with a 0-0 draw.

Turning point from a penalty spot

In the second half, Viettel gradually gained control. In the 61st minute, Pedro Henrique had an opportunity inside the penalty area but his shot was too soft. However, by the 73rd minute, the turning point arrived when central defender Trinh Van Loi let the ball touch his hand inside the penalty area. From the 11-meter spot, Pedro Henrique calmly defeated the goalkeeper, opening the score for Viettel.

After conceding, Thanh Hoa pushed forward to find an equalizer but did not create many clear chances. Meanwhile, Viettel continuously exerted pressure, notably Colonna's header that hit the crossbar in the 78th minute.

The drama escalated in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, Thanh Hoa almost had an equalizer when goalkeeper Van Viet and Pedro Henrique lacked coordination in a combined play, but the ball narrowly missed the goal frame. By the 90+4th minute, Viettel's coach Velizar Popov was dismissed from directing after receiving a second yellow card for his reaction.

Ultimately, Viettel secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory. This result helps the military-uniformed team accumulate 38 points, continuing to chase the top team CAHN with a 6-point gap. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa remains stuck at the 11th position with 16 points and faces considerable pressure in the relegation battle.

90+6': TIME'S UP!!!

Viettel 1-0 Thanh Hoa.

88': Missed

Thanh Hoa almost had an equalizing goal!!! Goalkeeper Van Viet and Pedro Henrique lacked coordination in the combined play, causing the ball to nearly roll into their own net. It was very fortunate for Viettel as the ball narrowly missed the goal frame.

78': Viettel dominates

Viettel continues to increase pressure!!! From Phan Tuan Tai's lofted ball into the penalty area, Colonna jumped high for a header, but the ball narrowly missed the goal frame.

73': GOOOO... 1-0 for Viettel

Viettel was awarded a penalty after central defender Trinh Van Loi let the ball touch his hand inside Thanh Hoa's penalty area. From the 11-meter spot, Pedro Henrique made no mistake in executing successfully, opening the score for the military-uniformed team.

61: Still not in

Pedro Henrique had a chance to shoot inside Thanh Hoa's penalty area, but his kick was too soft, lacking sufficient difficulty to defeat the opposing goalkeeper.

54': Nothing dangerous

From Nata's direct lofted ball into the goal frame, two Viettel players simultaneously rushed in to apply pressure, but Thanh Hoa's goalkeeper remained calm, chose a suitable position, and firmly caught the ball.

46': SECOND HALF STARTS

Viettel is the team to kick off.

45': TIME'S UP!!!

Viettel 0-0 Thanh Hoa

40': Not a goal

Rimario demonstrated strength with a powerful surge to break down and face the goalkeeper, but the final finishing shot regrettably missed the post.

33': Viettel misses an opportunity

Goalkeeper Y Eli Nie punched the ball unsuccessfully after a corner situation, causing the penalty area to fall into chaos. Huu Thang quickly rushed in to finish but was blocked by the defense, before Nhat Nam fouled a Thanh Hoa player and received a yellow card.

25': Not successful

Viettel's striker unexpectedly launched a shot from a very long distance, but the ball lacked sufficient power and went straight to goalkeeper Y Eli Nie's position.

10': Dangerous for Viettel

Phan Tuan Tai was present timely to intervene, preventing Van Tung from finishing comfortably after Ba Tien's troublesome cross.

6': Goal not recognized

Wesley managed to put the ball into Thanh Hoa's net, but the referee did not recognize it due to a foul occurring beforehand.

3': Not successful

Van Tung executed a free kick that could not pass Viettel's defensive wall.

1': THE MATCH STARTS!!!

Thanh Hoa is the team to kick off first.

Starting lineup Viettel vs Thanh Hoa:

Where to watch Viettel vs Thanh Hoa live?

• Time: 7:15 PM on April 10
• Location: Hang Day Stadium
• Competition: Round 18 V-League 2025/26
• Live on: TV360, F PT Football

Analysis Viettel vs Thanh Hoa

Viettel not only failed to "settle the debt" after the 1-4 defeat in the first leg, but also made things difficult for themselves by being held to a 1-1 draw by SLNA at home. This result clearly left Coach Popov's team breathless in the championship race as they trailed CAHN by 9 points.

Although theoretically there is still a chance to reverse the situation, with CAHN's stable form and strong acceleration, Viettel's hope for the crown gradually becomes fragile. In that context, they must maintain the highest fighting spirit, as Ninh Bình is closely behind with only a 4-point gap.

In the next round, Thanh Hoa seemed to be a "breathable" opponent as they are in the bottom group of the table. However, the Thanh region team just shocked by defeating CA TP.HCM 4-0, showing they are not easily underestimated. With high spirits, Thanh Hoa promises to cause many difficulties for Viettel.

Although possessing a superior squad with many stars and quality foreign players, Viettel disappoints due to a pragmatic playing style that has been figured out. Notably, Coach Mai Xuan Hop (who previously worked with Mr. Popov) understands the opponent's tactics well, making the match even more unpredictable.

Expected lineup Viettel vs Thanh Hoa

• Viettel: Van Viet, Colonna, Viet Tu, Van Nam, Tuan Tai, Huu Thang, Paulinho Curua, Nhat Nam, Hoang Minh, Wesley Nata, Lucao.
• Thanh Hoa:Eli Nie, Minh Doan, Ba Tien, Dinh Huyen, Odilzhon, Van Loi, Ngoc Ha, Van Tung, Ngoc Tan, Thongkhamsavath, Rimario.