HÀ NỘI — FLC Thanh Hoá lost their opportunity to return to the top of the V.League, after a 1-1 draw against Becamex Bình Dương yesterday on their home turf.

Facing a poor-performing rival, Thanh Hoá made big mistakes in their own goal and when missing a penalty while playing under the eyes of thousands of home supporters.

The team now have 42 points, as it remains in second place. They have as many points as leader Quảng Nam FC, who have one game to play today.

The hosts side started the game aggressively, after a big bonus of VNĐ1 billion (US$45,000) was won after their win last weekend, and having another to come in case of beating former champions Bình Dương, who have not played well in five recent games.

Uche Iherruome opened the score at the 23rd minute, receiving a long pass from the home field and breaking the off-side trap to beat experienced goalkeeper Bùi Tấn Trường.

The hosts maintained their strong attacks in the second half, but their strikers could not net.

Bình Dương played in defence most of the time, but they suddenly grabbed an equaliser at 23 minutes after the interval.

Defender Lê Văn Đại of Thanh Hoá scored his own goal in his attempt to save the net.

His teammate, keeper Bùi Tiến Dũng, could not react to stop the ball, which went to his far high corner.

Hope came for the hosts during the additional time, when they received a penalty, however striker Pape Omar Faye missed the shot.

Minutes later, Iherruome’s close-range header went a little wide when he was in front of the empty net.

Quảng Nam, who hoped to take their first V.League trophy, will entertain Quảng Ninh Coal today.

The hosts recorded high results when they are away from home, but their games on home soil were not as promising, where they won only three, but drew seven matches.

In their first leg of the tournament, Quảng Nam beat Quảng Ninh 3-1.

Defending champions Hà Nội FC will welcome HCM City. A win over the considered weaker team will help them to replace Thanh Hoá at second place.

Elsewhere, Hải Phòng will host SHB Đà Nẵng; Long An, who has received a relegation slot next season, will visit former champions Sông Lam Nghệ An; Hoàng Anh Gia Lai will travel to HCM City to meet Sài Gòn FC, and Cần Thơ will play Sanna Khánh Hoà. — VNS