Five talking points from V.League 1-2020 Matchday 13

Following are the five talking points from the latest V.League action.

Saigon FC crowned first-phase champions

Saigon FC concludes their first-phase campaign as the leaders.

Despite being held to a goalless draw by Quang Ninh Coal, Saigon FC still concluded their first-phase campaign as the leaders with exceptional results. Vu Tien Thanh’s side conceded just one out of their total 13 matches and won 24 points. However, the gap between them and other chasing teams is not so wide. This means Saigon FC will have to maintain optimal focus and current form if they do not want to be dethroned in the second phase.

V.League newbies among eight title contenders in phase 2

Despite their minor chance of breaking into the top eight, newly promoted Hong Linh Ha Tinh still fought wholeheartedly and clinched a 3-2 victory against bottom-placed Quang Nam FC on Thursday. Such a precious win, together with SHB Da Nang’s defeat against Nam Dinh FC, helped Pham Minh Duc’s troops spleen through the narrow gate to seize the last spot in the second phase’s title campaign which features the top eight teams from phase 1.

HAGL snatch resounding win after managerial change

Forward Van Toan celebrates scoring for HAGL.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) got off to a marvellous start under new co-managers Nguyen Van Dan and Duong Minh Ninh with a commanding 5-2 triumph over reigning runners-up and title favourites Ho Chi Minh City.

The five goals scored by Kelly (14’), Van Toan (18’), Walsh (34’), Memovic (54’) and Van Thanh (64’) lifted HAGL to seventh place in the table with 20 points and allowed them to continue fostering their title hopes this season.

Title holders Hanoi FC play out second consecutive draw

Hanoi FC (C) have conceded two consecutive draws since V.League 1 resumed. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

Despite dominating possession and creating a bunch of opportunities, reigning champions Hanoi FC could only manage to score once when hosting Thanh Hoa FC at Hang Day Stadium on October 1. Thanh Hoa’s goalkeeper Thanh Diep and their solid defensive line worked effectively to block the hosts’ attack waves. Even, it was the guests who opened the scoring thanks to the effort of former Hanoi striker Hoang Vu Samson. This is the second consecutive draw for the capital team since V.League 1 resumed after a two-month COVID-19 suspension.

Hai Phong forward nets of V.League 1’s second hat-trick

Despite having been “silent” in his previous nine matches, Brazilian forward Diego Silva had an extremely brilliant match on Thursday scoring three goals to help Hai Phong FC beat Song Lam Nghe An 3-1 on home field. Notably, this was only the second hat-trick thus far in V.League 1-2020, after the first one scored by Pedro Paulo (Saigon FC).