HAGL's resurgence: They drew 2-2 with Nam Dinh, earning 4 points after 2 matches.
After failing to score or win in the first four rounds, HAGL earned 4 points in their last two matches: a 2-2 draw against Nam Dinh in Pleiku despite using only two foreign players, switching to a pragmatic counter-attacking style of play.
The 2-2 draw against Nam Dinh at Pleiku Stadium marked a turning point for Hoang Anh Gia Lai: from a streak of four rounds without scoring or winning, the team from the mountainous region earned 4 points in their last two matches against the V-League champions, showcasing a new identity – pragmatic, effective, and resilient.
Tactical turning point: from control to effectiveness
HAGL – the youngest team in V-League – no longer prioritizes ball control. Instead, they've adopted a pragmatic counter-attacking approach: prioritizing shielding the midfield, protecting their goal, and then exploiting opportunities during transitions. This change has helped the Pleiku-based team withstand pressure, especially from physically strong opponents.
Explosive first half, confident second half.
The match against Nam Dinh was a clear summary of their transformation. The first half was explosive with four goals. In the remaining 45 minutes, HAGL controlled the risks, solidified their defensive structure, and maintained a 2-2 scoreline despite the opponent's increased pace. Notably, coach Le Quang Trai's team only used two foreign players, while Nam Dinh had four.
Personnel structure and backbone
A new framework is taking shape: captain Jairo provides moral support, Marciel takes on the role of playmaker, and behind them, goalkeeper Trung Kien and center-back Quang Kiet act as a barrier against aerial balls. In midfield and on the flanks, Thanh Son, Thanh Nhan, and Vinh Nguyen bring energy and spatial awareness.
No typical number 9, swap to open up space.
HAGL doesn't rely on a fixed center forward. They rotate positions, stretching and tearing apart the defense with smooth transitions. Minh Tâm, with his two recent goals, along with Jairo, Ryan Hà, and Thanh Nhân, demonstrate the effectiveness of this flexible approach.
Defending against aerial balls, counter-attacking along the vertical axis.
In the off-ball phase, HAGL prioritizes shielding the area in front of the penalty box, maintaining tight spacing and being ready for aerial duels. The height and judgment of Trung Kien and Quang Kiet help the team neutralize any attempts at physical dominance. When they win the ball back, they quickly transition to direct attacks using the speed and bursts of pace from Thanh Nhan or Du Hoc.
The numbers speak for themselves.
- First 4 rounds: no goals scored, no wins.
- Last two matches: 4 points against the V-League champions.
- Nam Dinh drew 2-2 in Pleiku; there were 4 goals in the first half.
- HAGL uses 2 foreign players, Nam Định uses 4.
Psychological and long-term impacts
After their first victory against Viettel, HAGL received a significant morale boost. The draw against Nam Dinh further reinforced the belief that they had found the right formula for their current squad. With pragmatism prioritized, the team from Pleiku had a solid foundation to accumulate points more consistently.
Significance for the race
From a position where their chances of avoiding relegation were doubted, HAGL is now on a positive trajectory. The remaining question is their ability to maintain intensity and discipline in the upcoming rounds. If they retain their current squad, continue to capitalize on their sharp counter-attacks, and adjust their tempo appropriately, the Pleiku-based team has the potential to create more surprises in the V-League.
