Da Nang draws with SLNA, coach Le Duc Tuan talks about Vadim Nguyen.
Garcia put SLNA ahead in the 80th minute, Kim Dong Su equalized in injury time to help Da Nang avoid defeat; Coach Le Duc Tuan advised Vadim to improve his defense.
Kim Dong Su scored in injury time to help Da Nang avoid a home defeat against SLNA on the evening of November 2nd, after Garcia had opened the scoring in the 80th minute. This was Da Nang's first unbeaten home game since the start of the 2025/26 season, a point of significant morale given that they had dropped points in the final minutes on several previous occasions, according to their coach.
Key moments and composure in the final stages of the match.
The back-and-forth battle lasted almost the entire 90 minutes, before Garcia capitalized on an opportunity to put SLNA ahead in the 80th minute. The psychological advantage shifted to the visitors, but Da Nang did not collapse. As the clock ticked into injury time, Kim Dong Su unleashed a decisive shot, saving a point for the home team.
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 80 | Garcia scored to give SLNA the lead. |
| Injury time | Kim Dong Su equalizes for Da Nang. |
The final moments of the match not only decided the score but also reflected the progress in Da Nang's character: from often losing in the last minute, they persevered and received their well-deserved reward.
Tactical perspective: balancing attack and defense
In a match where clear scoring opportunities were scarce, the value of discipline and concentration was heightened. Speaking after the game, coach Le Duc Tuan emphasized the requirement for his players: not only to know how to score but also to support each other and control the game. This message shows the coaching staff's priority is balancing the ability to create breakthroughs with defensive responsibility – the foundation for the team to limit late goals conceded, a weakness in the past.
Coach Le Duc Tuan and his message to Vadim Nguyen
When asked about Vietnamese-born midfielder Vadim Nguyen, coach Le Duc Tuan frankly assessed his potential and areas for improvement: “Vadim has great potential and the ability to create breakthroughs, but he needs to improve, especially in defense. I want my players not only to know how to score goals, but also to know how to support their teammates and control the game.”
Regarding squad building, the coach clearly stated the criteria for selecting personnel: "Any coach wants to have more good players, but it's important that they fit the playing style and bring effectiveness. If the new players are not superior to the current players, we will continue to place our trust in the players we already have."
Post-match statement: Perseverance is rewarded.
Commenting on the overall performance, the coach shared: “It’s been a long time since Da Nang had a draw at home. This was a very difficult match because both teams were very eager to win.” He added: “We have often conceded goals in the final minutes, but today the players maintained their fighting spirit. The equalizer in injury time was a well-deserved reward for their never-give-up effort.”
Impact on the relegation battle
With one point, Da Nang temporarily escaped the bottom of the table. However, the relegation battle has become tight as all five teams – PVF-CAND, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, HAGL, and SLNA – now have 7 points each. With the gap narrowing, every point – especially in home games – is crucial in the long-term fight.
The numbers are noteworthy.
- Garcia opened the scoring for SLNA in the 80th minute.
- Kim Dong Su equalized for Da Nang in injury time.
- Da Nang recorded their first unbeaten home game of the 2025/26 season.
- Relegation battle: PVF-CAND, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, HAGL and SLNA all have 7 points.
The highlight of the match was Da Nang's ability to maintain intensity and spirit until the very last minute. From this, the need to upgrade the defensive quality of the attacking players – as a message sent to Vadim Nguyen – could be the key to helping the team convert those explosive moments into more consistent results in the coming period.
