HAGL struggles at home

Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) just had a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Hai Phong in round 20 of the V-League.

The match at Pleiku Stadium clearly revealed the Mountain Town team's issues in finishing, while also posing many challenges ahead of their next-round clash with Dong A Thanh Hoa.

Despite playing at home, HAGL could not impose their game on Hai Phong. The visiting team started proactively, continuously applying pressure with a physically demanding style. Meanwhile, HAGL opted for a cautious approach, dropping deep to defend and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities.

The most notable chances for the home team in the first half all failed to be converted into goals, as Thanh Nhan and his teammates lacked sharpness in the final decisive moments.

On the other side, Hai Phong also had several dangerous opportunities. Goalkeeper Trung Kien had to work hard to keep a clean sheet, particularly with an excellent save against Camilo's shot late in the first half.

In the second half, the game became more balanced, but still lacked breakthroughs. HAGL pushed forward in the final minutes, but goalkeeper Dinh Trieu remained focused, helping the visitors leave Pleiku with one point.

This draw prevents HAGL from breaking away in the relegation battle and will face significant pressure when they meet Thanh Hoa in the next round. Against an opponent with good organization and stable form, if they do not improve their finishing ability, the Mountain Town team could easily find themselves in a disadvantageous position during the decisive phase of the season.

Starting lineup HAGL vs Hai Phong

HAGL: Trung Kien, Du Hoc, Quang Kiet, Jairo, Anh Tai, Thanh Nhan, Ngoc Lam, Hoang Minh, Marciel, Vinh Nguyen, Conceicao

Hai Phong: Dinh Trieo, Tien Dung, Trung Hieu, Manh Dung, Nhat Minh, Van Minh, Hoang Nam, Fletcher, Joaquim, Huu Son, Luiz Antonio