Coach Thạch Bảo Khanh. — Photo vietnamplus.vn

HÀ NỘI — Viettel drew with no goals against Topenland Bình Định in the second leg of V.League 1 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội on Monday.

Although Viettel only took one point, coach Thạch Bảo Khanh still affirmed that the team are approaching their goal set before the season: entering the top three of the event.

Addressing the press conference after the match, Khanh said that although he could not be happy when his team only won one point, he was still satisfied with their competitive attitude.

"Viettel still entered the game as we have done since the beginning of the tournament, aiming to control the game and create many dangerous opportunities. However, on an unlucky day, we were unable to convert opportunities into goals. The rain also affected the play of both teams, but I am satisfied that my players fought with determination and cohesion," Khanh said.

Winning only one point in the meeting with Topenland Bình Định, Viettel faces the risk of being narrowed by rivals Hà Nội FC, Đông Á Thanh Hóa and Hà Nội Police. However, coach Khanh affirmed that Viettel always aims for the top three before thinking about the championship.

"I always emphasise that Viettel aims to be in the top three right from the start of the season and with a point obtained in this match, we are still on the right track to the set goal. We will try our best in each match and if given the opportunity, we will compete for the championship title," Khanh added.

The draw against Viettel also marked the first point of TopenLand Bình Định in the second leg of the V.League 1 2023.

Goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm’s excellent performance helped the away team leave Hàng Đẫy Stadium with one point, while coach Nguyễn Đức Thắng said that this result was a collective effort from the whole team.

“I am satisfied with Bình Định’s defence today. Although in the previous matches, Văn Lâm also had many saves, the team still had to receive defeats. However, in this match, the players improved their concentration and that is why Bình Định won a draw against Viettel, a very strong team," Thắng said. — VNS