UNDERDOGS: Viettel vs HAGL in the V.League 1 yesterday. Viettel beat HAGL 3-2. — Photo plo.vn

HÀ NỘI — Viettel beat Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) 3-2 in the 20th round of the V.League 1 yesterday.

The game was held at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province.

Just two minutes in, HAGL had the opener thanks to striker Felipe Martins.

The early goal created driving force for the hosts to play more aggressively and increase the pressure on the visiting side’s goal.

However, after good co-ordination, Bruno Cantanhede levelled the score for rookies Viettel.

After the break, Nguyễn Trọng Đại helped Viettel take the lead at 2-1 and then Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng added to the scoresheet for Viettel.

In injury time, Triệu Việt Hưng narrowed the gap for HAGL to 2-3.

Today, former champions Quảng Nam will face HCM City at Tam Kỳ Stadium in the central province of Quảng Nam.

In recent matches, HCM City’s defence was blamed for the team conceding a number of goals (three in the 17th round against Thanh Hóa, two in the 18th round against Hà Nội and two in the 19th round against Khánh Hòa).

If HCM City lose to underdogs Quảng Nam, the gap between them and top team Hà Nội will expand.

At present, Hà Nội are in the lead with 37 points, followed by HCM City with 35 points. Meanwhile, Hà Nội, who took the title of AFC Cup ASEAN Zone, are eager to face Thanh Hóa at home ground Hàng Đẫy Stadium tomorrow.

Hà Nội FC defeated Becamex Bình Dương 2-0 on aggregate at the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal final.

“Following the AFC event, Hà Nội will focus on the national premier league. We will try our best to defend our domestic title,” said coach Chu Đình Nghiêm. — VNS