Hà Nội FC's players celebrate beating Becamex Bình Dương in the V.League 1 over the weekend. Photo nhandan.com.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm of Hà Nội FC has said he doesn't consider this week's first versus second clash against Viettel as a final.

Thanks to midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải's super goal in the dying minutes, Hà Nội came from behind to beat Becamex Bình Dương 2-1 in the match held at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội over the weekend, putting his team on top of the pile, at least until Viettel play on Sunday.

After the match, coach Nghiêm admitted that Hà Nội had struggled to win.

"Hà Nội are chasing Viettel in the rankings if we lose and they win, the gap is five points, and three more rounds are too difficult to level the gap. Bình Dương hadn’t many chances but we conceded a goal so easily,” said Nghiêm.

“When we had a few minutes left, we had to try our best. One point didn't solve the problem for us, of course, we took risks,” Nghiêm added.

Hà Nội will next take on Viettel on Thursday at Hàng Đẫy.

"If we win against Viettel in the next match, we can’t win the championship immediately. Having a good result can only be favourable, but this can’t be considered as the final of the season. Viettel are in good form and experienced. They are a strong opponent. We always set the highest goal, so Hà Nội always try to the last minutes,” said Nghiêm.

In the match against Bình Dương, defender Đoàn Văn Hậu was on the bench after a long time of being injured. Coach Nghiêm revealed that Hậu will return in the coming matches, but the intensity and time must be balanced.

In other matches, Quảng Ninh Coal beat HCM City FC 2-1 at their home Cẩm Phả Stadium.

The loss is City's fourth game without a win in the absence of striker Nguyễn Công Phượng due to his toe injury. — VNS