At Thiên Trường Stadium, Nguyễn Quang Hải marked his return with a commanding display.
After missing two matches in regional and Asian competitions, the striker orchestrated both goals before being substituted in the 73rd minute.
He set up Leo Artur’s first-half opener and provided the assist for Alan to seal the win in the second half.
Hai Phong FC’s foreign players also made their mark. Alan and Leo Artur displayed clinical finishing, while Australian midfielder Stefen Mauk controlled challenges in midfield. The visitors’ tactical balance allowed them to dominate and collect three crucial points away from home.
By contrast, Nam Dinh FC faltered in front of their home fans. The champions failed to register a single shot on target, with defensive lapses and a lack of midfield creativity compounding their struggles.
Despite heavy investment estimated at nearly 200 billion VND (about USD 7.8 million), Nam Dinh FC have managed only 7 points from 6 matches. Their congested schedule, spanning the V-League, AFC Cup and ASEAN Club Championship, appears to be taking a toll.
Elsewhere, Hải Phòng FC fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against league leaders Ninh Bình FC at Lạch Tray Stadium.
Goals from Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Geovane Magno put Ninh Bình FC ahead twice, but Bicou Bissianthe and Nguyễn Hữu Nam equalized for the hosts. Ninh Bình FC remain unbeaten with 13 points and a +10 goal difference, leading Hai Phong FC (13 points, +8) and Ho Chi Minh City Police FC (13 points, +2).
In other fixtures, Thể Công Viettel FC beat Hà Tĩnh FC 2-0 to move fourth on 11 points. Meanwhile, coach Phan Như Thuật resigned after Song Lam Nghe An FC’s 2-3 loss to Ho Chi Minh City Police FC on September 27.
(Source: TNO)
