What did defender Pham Xuan Manh say after scoring against his old team Song Lam Nghe An?

On the evening of May 10, Hanoi Club won a dramatic victory with2-1 scoreright at Vinh Stadium of Song Lam Nghe An in round 22 of V-League 2024-2025, in the context that both teams are "thirsty for points". For Hanoi, 3 points are a prerequisite to continue chasing Nam Dinh in the championship race. Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An still faces the risk of relegation when they are only 1 point above the bottom group.

The match took place at a fast and fierce pace. In the 26th minute, Hanoi defender Dinh Hai fouled Ho Van Cuong in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, referee Hoang Thanh Binh awarded the home team a penalty, and Olaha made no mistake from the 11m mark to open the score for Song Lam Nghe An.

Hanoi FC immediately increased the pressure. Right in the last minute of injury time at the end of the first half, after a clever backheel pass from Van Quyet, Pham Xuan Manh rushed in to decisively finish, equalizing 1-1 for the Capital team. It was an emotional goal, not only because of its importance but also because the scorer had grown up in the training center of Song Lam Nghe An.

In the second half, Hanoi Club continued to dominate the game, creating many opportunities but encountered a determined defense of Song Lam Nghe An. The drama was pushed up in the last minute of extra time, when Daniel Passira took advantage of a messy ball in the penalty area, jumped high to head the ball to seal the 2-1 victory.

This victory helps Hanoi continue to chase Nam Dinh Club with a gap of only 2 points. Meanwhile, SLNA is in a difficult position, ranked 12/14 with 20 points, only 1 point more than Quy Nhon Binh Dinh.

After the match ended, defender Pham Xuan Manh, who scored the equalizer for Hanoi Club, shared his emotional thoughts on the day he returned to face his old team.

“Really, every time I return to Vinh Stadium, it brings me very special emotions. This is where I grew up, where my football dream was nurtured from the very first days. Playing on a familiar field, in front of the stands that witnessed me grow up, that feeling is hard to describe in words. I am happy to be back, but also sad when I have to face my old team.”

Talking about the equalizer, Xuan Manh shared: “At that time, I simply thought that I had to move up to create pressure and look for opportunities for the team. I didn’t expect that move to result in a goal. Scoring against Song Lam Nghe An – the team that is associated with my childhood and career – was truly an awkward moment. But any professional player would do it for the team. That goal was a bit lucky, and the emotions at that time were really mixed.”

Talking about the fighting spirit of Hanoi Club, Xuan Manh said that Hanoi FC's determination and ball control helped them turn the situation around and win: "Even though we were behind, the whole team did not panic but maintained their determination in playing. We controlled the ball, patiently waited for the opportunity and played until the last minutes with the highest determination. Today's victory is a worthy reward for the whole team's efforts."

In addition, Xuan Manh also shared advice for young players of Song Lam Nghe An: “As someone who grew up from the Song Lam Nghe An training center, I understand how difficult that path is. To develop, the most important things are diligence, will and love for football. Always live with football, think about football, talk about football every day. If you persevere and try your best, you will have worthy progress.”

Finally, Xuan Manh said that if he has the chance, he will return to his hometown to compete. “I always have a dream, which is to one day return to compete in the Song Lam Nghe An shirt, to contribute to my homeland. I believe that any player who grew up in this land also has that desire. If I have the chance, I will definitely not hesitate.”./.