CAHN came from behind to beat Beijing Guoan 2-1, securing their place in the next round early.

Dinh Bac scored a rebound goal in the 90th minute, completing a 2-1 comeback victory against Beijing Guoan at Hang Day Stadium and securing Hanoi Police's (CAHN) place in the knockout round of the AFC Champions League 2. Earlier, Stefan Mauk leveled the score at 1-1 in the 76th minute in a second half where the home team increased their intensity and pushed back their opponents. The drama ended with a red card for Cao Yongjing in the 90+4th minute.

The decisive moment

In the 90th minute, Rogerio broke down the left wing and delivered a dangerous cross. Dinh Bac made a perfectly timed run and finished with a shot into the net before the Beijing Guoan goalkeeper could react. The goal was both a highlight of the high-paced game and a reward for the continuous pressure that CAHN created in the second half.

Earlier, in the 76th minute, following a combination play between Leo Artur and Rogerio, Fang Hao's attempt to clear the ball accidentally deflected off Stefan Mauk and into the net, equalizing the score at 1-1 and opening up a new scoring opportunity for the home team.

Key developments

The first half tilted in favor of Beijing Guoan after a mistake: in the 11th minute, Nguyen Filip's attempt to clear the ball deflected off Lin Liangming and into the net. CAHN could have equalized early when Jiang Wenhao handled the ball in the penalty area in the 27th minute, but Leo Artur's penalty was saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Earlier, in the 5th minute, Leo Artur's curling shot hit the post.

The turning point came at the start of the second half: in the 48th minute, Quang Hai unleashed a low volley from the edge of the penalty area, forcing the visiting goalkeeper to make a save. CAHN continued to press, while Beijing Guoan responded with rapid counter-attacks, culminating in Zhang Yuning's breakaway in the 74th minute when his lob hit the crossbar after being initially saved by Nguyen Filip.

In the final minutes, CAHN maintained their intensity. In the 86th minute, Hugo Gomes missed a header from a corner kick. In the 90th minute, the home team converted a chance into the decisive goal. Tension escalated in the 90+4th minute when Cao Yongjing was sent off for a foul on Rogerio; Wang Gang received a yellow card for the same incident. The match ended in the 90+8th minute with a 2-1 victory for CAHN.

Tactical approach: increase speed, attack down the flanks, utilize "second balls" (opportunistic play).

The transition period between the two halves showed a clear adjustment by CAHN: pushing their formation higher, increasing the speed of ball circulation to keep possession in the opponent's half. Set pieces and crosses were also organized with high frequency, creating consecutive second balls around the 16.5-meter area – evidenced by Quang Hai's volley in the 48th minute and the shots hitting the crossbar and post after a series of bouncing balls.

The left flank became the primary "runway." Rogerio repeatedly penetrated the defense, creating a numerical advantage on the wing, and it was from there that the decisive cross in the 90th minute emerged. In the center, Leo Artur acted as a link, both scoring (post in the 5th minute, penalty in the 27th minute) and participating in short passes in front of the penalty area leading to the equalizer.

Beijing Guoan demonstrated their ability to launch direct counter-attacks. Zhang Yuning's chance in the 74th minute was a prime example: breaking through after a quick transition, forcing the CAHN goalkeeper into a one-on-one situation twice. However, a lack of accuracy in the finishing touches prevented the visitors from extending their lead.

The details that define the match.

• 5': Leo Artur's curling shot hits the post.
• 11': Goal conceded after the ball deflected off Lin Liangming.
• 27': Leo Artur misses the penalty.
• 48': Quang Hai volleys, goalkeeper makes a save.
• 74': Zhang Yuning hits the crossbar during a counter-attack.
• 76': The ball deflects off Stefan Mauk and goes into the net, 1-1.
• 90': Dinh Bac scores with a rebound after Rogerio's cross, making it 2-1.
• 90+4': Cao Yongjing receives a red card; Wang Gang receives a yellow card.

Impact and context of Table E

With 3 points at Hang Day Stadium, CAHN officially advanced to the knockout round of the AFC Champions League 2 along with Macarthur. The final match will determine the top spot in Group E: CAHN will face TaiPo, while Macarthur FC will play against Beijing Guoan.

Personnel and noteworthy details

CAHN entered the rematch against Beijing Guoan without striker Alan Grafite due to an ankle injury. Despite lacking their main attacking threat, the home team still exerted relentless pressure in the second half. On the visitors' side, center-back Ngadeu's indecisive handling in the 56th minute resulted in the ball bouncing off Leo Artur and hitting the post, highlighting the intensity of challenges in the penalty area.

Beijing Guoan fielded a strong team, including Fábio Abreu, who has scored 28 goals in the Chinese Super League this season. However, CAHN's focus and acceleration in the final 45 minutes – along with Rogerio's direct contribution to both goals – determined the outcome.

The match concluded with an explosive performance from Hang Day Stadium and a clear message of resilience: from a missed penalty to a 90th-minute goal, CAHN secured their own qualification.