Dinh Bac scores a hat-trick, Hanoi Police win convincingly against Song Lam Nghe An.

On the evening of April 26th, the match between Hanoi Police and Song Lam Nghe An in Round 20 of the V.League 2025/26 unfolded exactly as predicted. The home team continued to demonstrate their strength as a championship contender, while Song Lam Nghe An, despite their best efforts, were unable to spring a surprise against their high-performing opponents.

Entering the match, Song Lam Nghe An faced significant personnel difficulties as their defense was missing key players. Coach Van Sy Son was forced to use alternative options with a back four consisting of Van Huy, Nguyen Hoang, Nam Hai, and Thanh Duc. In attack, Olaha was moved to play as an attacking midfielder behind Dale Moore and Carlos Fortes.

Despite being considered the underdog, the Nghe An team started the match quite proactively. In the opening minutes, they created several notable opportunities from set pieces and central midfield combinations. However, against a highly experienced Hanoi Police team, that proactive approach was quickly neutralized.

After an initial period of somewhat exploratory play, Hanoi Police gradually took control of the game. In the 20th minute, the home team capitalized on their advantage with the opening goal. Following a sharp central midfield combination, Quang Hai delivered a well-placed through pass to Sterling Mauk, who then crossed the ball, allowing Dinh Bac to rush in and finish accurately, beating goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.

The goal helped Hanoi Police play more freely. Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An still tried to maintain their tempo and look for opportunities. In the 29th minute, the visitors had a good combination play when Fortes set up Dale Moore for a shot, forcing Nguyen Filip to make a save. However, the clearest chance was missed when Quang Vinh shot over the crossbar from a favorable position.

The wasteful finishing quickly cost Song Lam Nghe An dearly. Just minutes later, Dinh Bac continued to impress with a neat finish inside the penalty area, increasing the score to 2-0. By the end of the first half, Hanoi Police completely dominated the game and added a third goal through Minh Phuc after a well-coordinated play.

Nevertheless, Song Lam Nghe An managed to rekindle their hopes before the first half ended. Following a mistake by goalkeeper Nguyen Filip in the penalty area, the visitors were awarded a penalty, which Olaha successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 1-3.

Entering the second half, coach Van Sy Son made adjustments to improve the game. However, before Song Lam Nghe An could make a difference, they conceded another goal. In the 50th minute, Dinh Bac completed his hat-trick after a breakthrough that earned him a penalty. From the penalty spot, he successfully converted the penalty, increasing the score to 4-1 for Hanoi Police.

This goal almost ended any hope of the Nghe An team getting a point. However, Song Lam Nghe An still showed commendable fighting spirit. They didn't give up but continued to attack, creating several notable opportunities.

In the 80th minute, the visiting team nearly reduced the deficit when Mạnh Quỳnh's shot went wide of the post. Sông Lam Nghệ An's efforts were finally rewarded in the 84th minute when Olaha headed in accurately from a corner kick to reduce the score to 2-4 for SLNA.

In the remaining minutes, Song Lam Nghe An continued to push forward in search of more goals. However, a lack of accuracy in their final touches prevented them from capitalizing on their opportunities. Meanwhile, Hanoi Police proactively slowed down the pace of the game and preserved their advantage.

In the end, Hanoi Police won with a score of 4-2 against Song Lam Nghe An. This result further solidified the police team's top position in the league, and also showcased the impressive form of Dinh Bac, who is becoming the brightest star in the attack.

Despite the defeat, SLNA still maintained their 8th position in the standings and did not significantly alter the relegation battle. However, coach Van Sy Son and his team cannot afford to be complacent as there are still 6 rounds left in the tournament.