Chu Đình Nghiêm made a perfect debut as Ninh Bình defeated Thanh Hóa to claim a top 3 spot in the V-League.
The 2-0 victory against Thanh Hoa not only brought 3 points but also helped Ninh Binh officially overtake Hanoi FC in the standings on the day of new head coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's debut.
Round 25 of the V-League 2025-2026 season witnessed an impressive power transition on the Ninh Binh club's coaching bench. New head coach Chu Dinh Nghiem made a sweet debut, leading the team from the ancient capital to a convincing 2-0 victory against tough opponent Thanh Hoa, directly propelling the team back to third place in the standings.
Tactical calculations and the brilliance of Dang Van Lam
Despite it being his debut match, coach Chu Đình Nghiêm showed boldness by benching several key players such as Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Châu Ngọc Quang, and naturalized foreign player Nguyễn Tài Lộc. Ninh Bình proactively controlled the tempo of the game, but it was Thanh Hóa who created the first dangerous opportunities through sharp counter-attacks.
In a focused match, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam proved his worth. He made a series of spectacular saves after two dangerous headers from Le Van Thang and Le Van Hoan. The solidity of the defense created opportunities for the attacking players to break the deadlock.
A turning point stemming from a mistake and a superior advantage.
In the 34th minute, the difference came from a set piece. Truong Tien Anh took a corner kick with an extremely tricky trajectory, causing Thanh Hoa defender Huynh Minh Doan to awkwardly head the ball into his own net. The opening goal was fortunate, but it was the result of the continuous pressure that Ninh Binh created.
The match became easier for the visiting team in the second half. In the 63rd minute, the biggest turning point came when Thanh Hoa's captain, Doan Ngoc Tan, received a direct red card after a dangerous tackle on Nguyen Tai Loc. Playing with ten men, the home team's defense quickly revealed fatal gaps.
Nguyen Quoc Viet sealed the victory.
Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Ninh Binh increased the pressure to finish off their opponent. In the 70th minute, foreign player Geovane showcased his class with a skillful outside-of-the-foot assist, putting young striker Nguyen Quoc Viet in a favorable position. Quoc Viet's powerful header gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance to save, sealing the 2-0 victory.
With a full three points, Ninh Binh officially reached 48 points, surpassing Hanoi FC to claim third place. This result not only affirms the position of the team from the ancient capital in the championship race but also demonstrates the sharp coaching skills of coach Chu Dinh Nghiem in his very first match in charge.
