HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội FC continued their dominance at the top of the V.League 1 with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over closest challengers Quảng Ninh Coal.

The 13th round fixture at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in the capital marked 13 matches undefeated for Hà Nội, leaving them 11 points clear of their northern rivals.

The game started with Quảng Ninh in the ascendancy, and the visitors opened the scoring after a mistake by Hà Nội goalie Nguyễn Văn Công gifted them a penalty, which forward Joel Vinicius duly converted in the 7th minute.

The opener boosted the visiting side’s confidence, but Hà Nội equalised minutes before half-time when striker Ganiyu Oseni prodded home a cheeky back-heel finish.

The hosts pressed for a winner in the second half, with a five minute spell securing victory via goals from forward Nguyễn Văn Quyết in the 62nd minute and striker Hoàng Vũ Samson five minutes later.

Samson completed the rout with a 92^nd minute goal, leaving onlookers in no doubt as to the side to catch in this year’s title race.

Elsewhere, Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) defeated Hải Phòng FC 1-0, snapping an 11 game losing streak.

The match was held at Vinh stadium, SLNA’s home ground.

This victory was crucial for the hosts, who desperately needed a win after 11 consecutive losses had left them near the bottom of the table.

In contrast, Hải Phòng FC came into the game in fine form and have an impressive record at Vinh stadium.

The two teams played on the counter most of the first half, which ended scoreless, largely thanks to the excellent performance of Hải Phòng FC’s goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lăm.

In the 65th minute, a headed pass from substitute forward Hồ Tuấn Tài allowed midfielder Ngô Xuân Toàn to score the opener. It was also the only goal of the match, earning SLNA three important points after and moving the team up one position in the table.

Elsewhere, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai were defeated by Quảng Nam FC 2-3, dropping into 7th in the table while 6th position belongs to Quảng Nam.

Meanwhile, Nam Định FC defeated Sài Gòn FC 1-0 after a tough match at Nam Định Stadium, however, with this match, Nam Định FC is still ranked at the bottom of the table with seven points below Sài Gòn FC on 11 points. — VNS