Brazilian striker Bruno Caique (middle) scored the only goal to help Viettel beat Quảng Ninh Coal 1-0 in the penultimate round and help the team come closer to the championship. — Photo: danviet. vn

HÀ NỘI — A 1-0 victory over Quảng Ninh Coal on Tuesday (November 3) helped Viettel FC gain an advantage in the V.League championship race.

Before this penultimate round, Viettel had stayed on top with 35 points after 18 matches, while Sài Gòn FC was second with 34 points, Hà Nội FC  third with 33 points, and Quảng Ninh Coal fourth with 31 points.

Viettel faced Quảng Ninh Coal, while Hà Nội FC played Sài Gòn FC in the penultimate round.

All four teams had a huge chance to win the championship if they got a win in this vital round.

With the home advantage in Hàng Đẫy Stadium, Viettel’s players expressed their desire and determination to regain glory when the club was crowned national champion under its former name Thể Công FC in 1998.

At the 37 minute mark, midfielder Dương Văn Hòa broke through the defensive line of Quảng Ninh Coal on the left side and opened up a good chance for foreign striker Bruno Caique to take a powerful shot.

The ball connected to the back of the net, opening up the score for Viettel in the first half.

In the second half, Quảng Ninh tried to attack to find the equalizer. However, Viettel defenders had a good performance and helped the club maintain the score until the last minute.

With the victory, Viettel is now closer to the championship this year. The team will meet Sài Gòn FC this weekend.

Head coach Trương Việt Hoàng of Hà Nội said: "With one match left ahead, we will try our best to become the champion. The championship is to pay tribute to the fans who always support  the team."  VNS