Hanoi FC extend league point record, XSKT Can Tho pocket crucial win

Hanoi FC dominated possession but created few scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes, as the guests played solidly and effectively blocked the attacks deployed by manager Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side.

With the deadlock continuing in the early second half, Hanoi FC decided to release Thanh Luong and Hoang Vu Samson from the bench seeking to increase their offensive powers.

The two substitutions proved effective, helping the hosts to diversify their attacks and set the tempo of the game.

Hanoi FC’s dominance was confirmed ten minutes from time, with Van Quyet assisting Hoang Vu Samson to open the scoring before Duy Khanh converted Thanh Luong’s cross for the second goal for the champions three minutes later.

Hanoi FC continue to further break the points total in V.League history with 61 points. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

By winning the full three points at home, Hanoi FC went on to further break the points total in V.League history with 61 points, six more than the previous record set by Becamex Binh Duong in the 2007 season.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai have successfully escaped relegation this season after beating newly promoted Nam Dinh FC 2-0 thanks to an accurate header from Minh Vuong (27’) and a penalty converted by Cong Phuong (90+1).

Bottom-placed XSKT Can Tho kept their fading hopes of escaping relegation alive following their crucial 2-0 victory over Hai Phong. Manager Vu Quang Bao’s side have now leveled the points won by second-from-bottom Nam Dinh FC, both on 20.

In the other matches, former champions, Song Lam Nghe An and SHB Da Nang, suffered respective 0-1 defeats against FLC Thanh Hoa and Saigon FC.

Quang Nam FC lost 2-3 to Quang Ninh Coal at home, while Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN trounced Ho Chi Minh City FC by two straight goals to replace FLC Thanh Hoa in second place with a three-point advantage.