With a minimum win over HAGL, The Cong Viettel solidifies its second-place position in the V-League.

The encounter between The Cong Viettel and HAGL in round 19 of the V-League was characterized by a closely contested game yet featured several notable incidents, ending with a minimal 1-0 win for the hosts.

Immediately after the opening whistle, The Cong Viettel proactively pushed their formation forward to attack. In the 6th minute, the home side had a controversial incident when Huu Thang lofted a cross from the left flank into the penalty area, the ball striking Thanh Nhan of HAGL's hand.

However, the referee did not award a penalty, determining that the ball had already crossed the goal line beforehand. By the 11th minute, VAR intervened again following a similar situation in the visitors' penalty box, but after nearly four minutes of review, the referee still decided not to grant a penalty to The Cong Viettel.

The pressure from the hosts persisted, and in the 19th minute they nearly scored the opening goal. From a corner kick that caused confusion, Van Tu surged onto the second line and unleashed a rapid left-footed volley. Goalkeeper Trung Kien stood watching, but the ball struck the crossbar and bounced out, saving HAGL.

In the 35th minute, The Cong Viettel had to make an involuntary substitution as Huu Thang left the field due to injury, replaced by Dinh Xuan Tien.

Just two minutes later, the home team continued to threaten when Khuat Van Khang delivered a precise cross, Lucao acted as a wall to create an opportunity for Xuan Tien to volley with one touch, but the ball flew over the crossbar.

Towards the end of the first half, Xuan Tien also tried his luck with a free-kick shot from over 25 meters in the 45+1st minute, the ball narrowly missing the post. Both teams left the field for halftime with a 0-0 score.

Entering the second half, The Cong Viettel continued to control the game. In the 53rd minute, Khuat Van Khang crossed from the right flank for Kyle Colonna to jump high and head near the goal, but the ball went over the bar.

In the 63rd minute, it was again Van Khang who broke through and then slipped a pass for Van Tu to penetrate the penalty area and unleash a powerful shot, the ball grazing the crossbar, causing HAGL's defense to shudder. By the 70th minute, another opportunity came for the home team when Van Khang delivered a favorable cross for Lucao, but goalkeeper Trung Kien managed to hold it securely.

The turning point of the match appeared in the 73rd minute. From a free-kick on the left flank, Dinh Xuan Tien lofted an accurate ball into the penalty area. Wesley Nata jumped high to head backwards in a dangerous manner, driving the ball into the far corner, opening the score 1-0 for The Cong Viettel. This was the decisive finishing move following the home team's continuous pressure.

In the final minutes, HAGL had to push forward seeking an equalizer. In the 84th minute, The Cong Viettel had a dangerous counter-attack opportunity when Khuat Van Khang accelerated into the penalty area, cut inside past the defender, and shot with his left foot, but Trung Kien timely punched the ball away to save.

By the 90+2nd minute, the visitors had their clearest chance. Quoc Bao crossed from the right flank for Conceicao to jump high and head near the goal, but goalkeeper Van Viet dove to securely hold the ball, preserving the advantage for the home team.

Ultimately, The Cong Viettel secured a 1-0 victory over HAGL, firmly consolidating its second-place position in the V-League with 41 points.

Goal scorer:Nata (75')

Starting lineup

The Cong Viettel:Van Viet, Viet Tu, Kyle Colonna, Van Nam, Tuan Tai, Huu Thang, Van Tu, Nhat Nam, Nata, Lucao, Pedro Henrique.

HAGL:Trung Kien, Du Hoc, Quang Kiet, Jairo, Huu Nam, Dinh Lam, Vinh Nguyen, Marciel, Thanh Nhan (Gia Bao 60'), Batista, Hoang Minh.