On the ball: Hà Nội FC’s midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải (first left) competes against a player of Sông Lam Nghệ An. Hà Nội FC beat SLNA 2-0 in the 21st round of V.League 1, becoming the champion of the tournament five matches in advance. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đạt |
HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội FC beat Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) 2-0 in the 21st match of V.League 1 yesterday at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội.
With this victory, Hà Nội FC have officially become the champions of the tournament five matches in advance.
Returning to V.League 1 after a long break, Hà Nội FC set a target of gaining three points on home soil. However, SLNA proved not to be so easily-defeated, despite strong support from the host’s fans who filled the stadium.
Taking advantage of their home soil, coach Chu Đình Nghiêm applied a proactively-attacking and pressing strategy right from the start. Players like Thành Lương, Quang Hải and Oseni Ganiyu Bolayi constantly created threatening situations in front of goalkeeper Vũ Hải; however, all shots by the capital city team missed the target, particularly forward Oseni who missed a penalty in the 18th minute. The first half ended goalless.