Viettel (in red) scrapped to a one goal to nil victory over Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh. — Photo bongdaplus.vn

HÀ NỘI — Viettel FC are in the driver's seat of the V.League 1 title race after beating Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh 1-0 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on Sunday.

A goal from substitute Nguyễn Trọng Đại was enough to take all three tops and put Viettel back on top of the table on 34 points, followed by Hà Nội FC with 32 points and Sài Gòn FC with 31 points.

Đại celebrated his long-range winner in the 73rd minute by ripping his jersey off in ecstasy, resulting in the midfielder from the northern province of Hải Dương being booked, which means he'll miss the top-of-the-table clash with Hà Nội FC on Thursday.

“I am very sorry to my team for taking off my jersey. The first goal was too emotional. Congratulations to my team,” said Đại.

Coach Phạm Minh Đức of Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh even had to tip his cap to Dai for the stunning strike

“Đại had a moment of shining. We couldn’t stop him. Viettel deserved to take the victory. However, we were still playing well, making the game more intense and highly competitive,” said Đức.

Coach Trương Việt Hoàng of Viettel also praised Đại for his performance.

“Đại has recovered from his injury. I should have used him in the last match against Bình Dương, but I saved him for the match Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh in which he was trusted and played well. His precious goal helped Viettel maintain the top position. His long shot is very good. I've been watching him since he was still playing for the Việt Nam U19 team. Unfortunately, Đại had to receive a third yellow card and he can’t play in the next match against Hà Nội,” said Hoàng.

“The national premier league is about to finish and I want my team to continue to show their bravery. Viettel will next meet defending champions Hà Nội. We don’t have good results against this team. Viettel need to change the past. Definitely, we have to aim for one point. If we take advantage of the opponent's mistakes to win, I think that would also be appropriate. There is a little regret that we will play without Đại,” Hoàng added.

Elsewhere at the weekend, Sài Gòn FC beat Hoàng Anh Gia Lai 4-2, Thanh Hóa FC drew with Sông Lam Nghệ An 1-1, Quảng Nam beat SHB Đà Nẵng 3-1 and Nam Định lost to Hải Phòng 2-3. — VNS