V.League: HCM City resume lead in title race after win at Binh Duong

Both teams started the match with great precaution, playing the first half at a slow pace with few clear-cut opportunities.

However, the guests managed to open the scoring a few minutes before halftime, as Vinicius took advantage of Binh Duong’s defensive mistake to shoot between keeper Duc Cuong’s legs.

Vinicius scores HCM City’s opening goal. (Photo: VPF)

After a boring first half, the match took place in a much more exciting fashion with four additional goals scored by the two sides.

Cong Thanh doubled HCM City’s lead eight minutes after the hour mark with a powerful tight-angle strike from the left wing.

Trailing two goals behind, Becamex Binh Duong strengthened their offence seeking to narrow the gap. Their attempts paid off in the 74th minute, as captain Nguyen Anh Duc slotted in from close range to pull a goal back for manager Nguyen Thanh Son’s side.

It was Anh Duc again who equalised the score seven minutes later with a successful Panenka-style penalty.

When the match seemed to be ending up in a draw, HCM City were awarded a penalty following the Binh Duong side’s handball in the box. Keeper Duc Cuong brilliantly blocked Vinicius’s first attempt from the spot but could not prevent the Brazilian forward from scoring the winning goal for HCM City from the rebound.

Vinicius celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning goal for HCM City. (Photo: VPF)

With the victory, manager Chung Hae-seong’s side returned to top spot of the table two points above Hanoi FC, who were held to a goalless draw by Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN in another match on the same day.