Đăng Khoa scored the decisive goal just before halftime, punishing a lapse in concentration from the hosts to secure all three points for the visitors.
HAGL entered the match hoping to avenge their narrow 0–1 loss to the same opponent earlier in the season at Thống Nhất Stadium. Playing in front of home supporters, coach Lê Quang Trãi’s side began aggressively and nearly took the lead within the opening minutes.
In the fifth minute, Thanh Nhân broke through on goal but was denied by goalkeeper Lê Giang Patrik in a one-on-one situation. Two minutes later, newly signed striker Batista, standing at 1.92 meters, rose highest to meet a cross with a powerful header that struck the post.
Despite the early pressure, Ho Chi Minh City Police gradually regained control. The team, coached by Lê Huỳnh Đức and featuring players such as Tiến Linh, Đức Huy and foreign forward Makrillos, began to dominate possession and create chances.
In the 26th minute, Tiến Linh’s close-range header from inside the six-yard box was superbly saved by HAGL goalkeeper Trung Kiên. Twelve minutes later, Makrillos fired a dangerous angled shot from inside the penalty area, but Trung Kiên again reacted quickly to push the ball away.
The home goalkeeper could not keep his clean sheet intact, however. Just before the break, Ho Chi Minh City Police executed a quick free-kick down the right flank, and Đăng Khoa took advantage of HAGL’s defensive hesitation to score the only goal of the match.
After the interval, HAGL attempted to increase attacking pressure. Coach Lê Quang Trãi made tactical changes, replacing full-back Thanh Nhân with Minh Tâm and introducing Bahnar midfielder Môi Sê for Thanh Sơn.
The hosts relied heavily on aerial deliveries toward Batista and Minh Tâm, hoping their height advantage would unsettle the visiting defense. But Ho Chi Minh City Police maintained disciplined marking and remained solid in aerial duels.
As the match progressed, HAGL pushed more players forward in search of an equalizer. Conceicao and Gia Bảo were brought on to reinforce the attack, replacing Ngọc Lâm and Marciel.
Yet the hosts struggled to create clear chances, with most of their late efforts reduced to hopeful crosses into the penalty area.