V.League 1: Thep Xanh Nam Định clinches the championship
With a 5-1 victory over Khanh Hoa, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC has secured the championship title with one round remaining in the V.League 1-2023/24 season.
The crucial victory against Hong Linh Ha Tinh in the previous round has allowed Thep Xanh Nam Dinh to maintain their top position in the standings, leading second-placed Merryland Quy Nhon Binh Dinh by 4 points. If they secure a full 3 points at home in Thien Truong against Khanh Hoa in this upcoming match, under coach Vu Hong Viet’s guidance, they will clinch the championship title with one round to spare, regardless of the results of the other teams.
The desire to win for a second championship title drove the players under coach Vu Hong Viet to start the match confidently, pressing their opponents right from the kickoff. After relentless attacking efforts, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh broke the deadlock with a goal. In the 13th minute, a precise through pass from Rafaelson found Hendrio, who confidently struck the ball past goalkeeper Ngoc Cuong. With the lead secured, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh’s gameplay became more fluid, creating diverse attacking scenarios that posed difficulties for the opposing defense.
In the 42nd minute, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh doubled their lead with a counter-attack through the center. The ball was played into the opponent’s penalty area, and after two consecutive shots, forward Rafaelson managed to put the ball into the visitors’ net.
Despite having fewer opportunities to counterattack in the first half, Khanh Hoa seized a chance to score and narrowed the gap. In the 45th minute, from a free kick outside the penalty area, player Van Tung delivered a troublesome cross into the 16m50 area, setting up Minh Loi to bring the score to 1-2.
In the second half, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh continued to dominate the game with fluent and clever attacking plays that troubled the opposing defense. In the 52nd minute, striker Rafaelson extended the lead to 3-1 for the home team.
In the 80th minute, from a corner kick on the left wing, center-back Lucas rose high to head the ball into the net, making it 4-1 for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. Just 3 minutes later, from a quick counter-attack, Rafaelson dribbled past Khanh Hoa’s defense and scored again, bringing the score to 5-1 for Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. This marked the notable final moments of the match.