Overcoming Hải Phòng, Viettel closes in on the top of V-League

(Football result) - Lucao’s two goals led Thể Công Viettel to a 2-1 victory over Hải Phòng at Lạch Tray, earning all 3 points in the 12th round of the V-League.

Tonight at Lạch Tray Stadium, Hải Phòng hosts Thể Công Viettel in the 12th round of the 2025/26 V-League. The match was intense and competitive, decided by the effectiveness of the visitors’ attack, especially Lucao’s brace.

Right from kickoff, both teams played at a high tempo. The midfield saw fierce battles with frequent collisions and fouls. In the 4th minute, Viettel had a notable chance when Wesley Nata took a dangerous free kick after Nhâm Mạnh Dũng was fouled near the penalty area, but goalkeeper Đình Triệu remained alert.

The turning point came in the 31st minute. After VAR confirmed Văn Minh handled the ball inside the penalty box, the referee awarded Viettel a penalty. Lucao needed two attempts to beat Đình Triệu from the spot, opening the score 1-0 for the visitors. Conceding, Hải Phòng pushed forward, but their attacks lacked sharpness in the first half.

In the second half, the game opened up more. In the 56th minute, from a quick counterattack on the right flank, Tagueu skillfully shot through the goalkeeper Văn Việt’s legs to equalize 1-1 for the home side, igniting the Lạch Tray stands. However, Hải Phòng’s joy was short-lived. In the 67th minute, from a powerful throw-in on the left, Lucao jumped high and scored a precise reverse header, completing his brace and putting Viettel ahead 2-1.

In the final minutes, Hải Phòng threw everything forward to find an equalizer. Hữu Sơn fired a dangerous long shot in the 83rd minute, but Văn Việt made a brilliant save. Ultimately, Thể Công Viettel held on to win 2-1, claiming all 3 crucial points at Lạch Tray.

Full time: Hải Phòng 1-2 Viettel

83' Missed chance

Hữu Sơn had a dangerous shot from outside the box, but goalkeeper Văn Việt made an excellent save for the visitors.

79' Dangerous foul

Wesley Nata committed a risky tackle on Tagueu, prompting Hải Phòng players to demand a second yellow card for Wesley Nata.

67' Lucao’s brace

From a strong throw-in on the left, Lucao rose high to deliver a sharp reverse header, beating goalkeeper Đình Triệu and extending Viettel’s lead to 2-1.

65' Missed

Just after coming on, Văn Khang took a classy free kick, but the ball hit the crossbar of Hải Phòng’s goal.

56' GOAL!!!

From a sharp counterattack on the right flank, Tagueu fired a dangerous shot through goalkeeper Văn Việt’s legs to level the score for the home team.

46' Second half begins

Half time: Hải Phòng 0-1 Viettel

42' Home side pushing

After conceding, Hải Phòng organized counterattacks, but their offensive moves lacked enough threat.

31' GOAL!!!

The referee checked VAR for Văn Minh’s handball, awarding Viettel a penalty. Lucao needed two shots to overcome Đình Triệu and open the scoring for the visitors.

29' Dangerous moment

Thể Công Viettel launched a very dangerous attack on the right. Văn Tú crossed into Hải Phòng’s penalty area, but Wesley Nata’s shot hit Văn Minh’s body.

25' Missed opportunity

From a free kick on the right, Bùi Tiến Dụng of Hải Phòng made a good wall pass, but unfortunately, striker Tagueu’s shot went wide.

16' Intense contest

The match was lively and tense, with continuous clashes and fouls in the midfield area.

4' Dangerous free kick

After Nhâm Mạnh Dũng was fouled just outside Hải Phòng’s penalty area, Wesley Nata took a dangerous free kick but was denied by home goalkeeper Đình Triệu.

1' Match starts

Starting lineups for both teams

What time is Hải Phòng vs Viettel, and where to watch live?

• Match time: 6:00 PM, January 31, 2026
• Venue:Lạch Tray Stadium
• Competition: Round 12 of V-League 2025/26
• Broadcast channel:FPT Play

Expected lineups for Hải Phòng vs Viettel

• Hải Phòng:Đình Triệu, Trung Hiếu, Tiến Dụng, Nhật Minh, Việt Hưng, Mạnh Dũng, Luiz Antonio, Friday, Hữu Nam, Joel Tague, Tiến Dũng.
• Viettel: Văn Việt, Kyle Colonna, Viết Tú, Hữu Nam, Văn Tú, Tuấn Tài, Văn Khang, Nhật Nam, Wesley, Lucas, Pedro.

Hải Phòng vs Viettel preview

After nearly a three-month break, the V-League returns with the promising round 12 matches. The highlight on January 31 is certainly the clash at Lạch Tray between Hải Phòng and Thể Công Viettel, two teams in the top group, both with high ambitions for the second half of the season.

Hải Phòng has been the season’s interesting surprise, unexpectedly breaking into the top 3. Without a deep squad or star players, the team from the port city, led by coach Chu Đình Nghiêm, maintains stability through disciplined, pragmatic play and excellent chance conversion. Lạch Tray Stadium remains a key stronghold where Hải Phòng always competes fiercely against any opponent.

However, the challenge named Thể Công Viettel is not easy to overcome. The soldier team boasts many quality individuals, well-organized under experienced coach Popov, known for his scientific approach. Sitting just behind Hải Phòng in the standings, Viettel aims to secure all 3 points to move into the top 3 and continue chasing the championship race.

Captain Bùi Tiến Dũng confirmed the team has thoroughly prepared both physically and tactically, ready for the final stretch. For Thể Công Viettel, every point now is crucial in the quest for the title.

The encounter at Lạch Tray is even more exciting with the presence of U23 Vietnamese internationals such as Khuất Văn Khang, Công Phương for Viettel and Nhật Minh for Hải Phòng. On the sidelines, the tactical battle between coaches Chu Đình Nghiêm and Popov promises to decide the match outcome.

Form and head-to-head record

• Hải Phòng: In the last 5 matches, Hải Phòng won 2 and lost 3 (40% win rate), showing inconsistent form. Their attack scores regularly, but the defense is prone to mistakes under heavy pressure.
• Viettel: In the last 5 matches, Viettel won 3, drew 1, and lost 1 (60% win rate), displaying positive form. The soldier team plays more balanced, effective, and stable than their rivals.
• Head-to-head record: In the last 5 encounters, each team has 2 wins and 2 draws, indicating closely matched and often fiercely contested battles.