In a match that showcased the highs and lows of V.League 1 football, Hai Phong secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh on October 26 at Sân vận động Lạch Tray. Aiming to build on their recent impressive form, Hai Phong showed resilience and made the most of their chances to leapfrog their opponents in the standings, moving into sixth place, just one point adrift of Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh.
The match unfolded with an early strike from Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, who took the lead in the 28th minute. The identity of the goal scorer remains unknown, but it was a moment of promise for a team that had been struggling to convert chances into goals. Their first goal was met with raucous cheers from the traveling supporters, who had endured a series of disappointing draws leading up to this match.
However, Hai Phong, buoyed by their recent 3-0 win against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, were quick to respond. Just ten minutes later, they found the equalizer in the 38th minute, displaying the offensive flair that has characterized their play in recent weeks. The home side was not done yet; they seized the lead just before halftime with another goal in the 45th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The dramatic turnaround shifted the momentum firmly in Hai Phong's favor.
With this victory, Hai Phong's record improved to 9 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses for the season, now sitting with 35 points. Meanwhile, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, despite their early goal, continued their trend of disappointing results, falling to 5th place at 36 points. After a run of matches that included only one victory in their last five encounters, the pressure is mounting on their coaching staff.
As the dust settles, the reality is clear: for Hai Phong, this win is a stepping-stone towards climbing further up the table, aiming for a potential playoff spot, while Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh must regroup and find their scoring touch if they hope to maintain their position in the upper half of the league. With just a few matches left in the regular season, every point is vital, and both teams will need to carry their respective narratives forward. As for my pre-match predictions, well, it seems I may have underestimated Hai Phong's resolve and overestimated Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh's ability to shake off their recent struggles. But in the world of football, as in life, it is always full of surprises.