Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm made an impressive debut as Ninh Bình defeated Thanh Hóa to claim a top 3 spot in the V-League.
A 2-0 victory against Thanh Hoa in round 25 helped Ninh Binh climb to third place with 48 points, marking a successful debut for new head coach Chu Dinh Nghiem.
The match in Round 25 of the V-League 2025-2026 season witnessed a perfect start for coach Chu Đình Nghiêm on the Ninh Bình bench. A convincing 2-0 victory against Thanh Hóa not only secured three valuable points but also helped the team from the ancient capital officially reach 48 points, surpassing their direct rival Hà Nội FC to enter the top three of the league table.
The tactical brilliance and outstanding performance of Dang Van Lam.
In his debut match, coach Chu Đình Nghiêm surprised everyone by benching several key players such as Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Châu Ngọc Quang. Despite controlling possession, Ninh Bình faced considerable difficulties against Thanh Hóa's sharp counter-attacking style. If it weren't for the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm, the home team's net would likely have been breached much earlier.
The Vietnamese-born goalkeeper made at least two spectacular saves against dangerous headers from Le Van Thang and Le Van Hoan. The solidity of the defense paved the way for Ninh Binh to find the opening goal in the 34th minute. From a tricky corner kick by Truong Tien Anh, Thanh Hoa defender Huynh Minh Doan, in an attempt to clear the ball, inadvertently headed it into his own net, giving Ninh Binh a 1-0 lead.
The turning point: the red card and the decisive stab from Quoc Viet.
In the second half, the game became even more favorable for Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm's team. In the 63rd minute, Thanh Hóa's captain, Doãn Ngọc Tân, received a direct red card after a dangerous tackle on Nguyễn Tài Lộc. Playing with a man advantage allowed Ninh Bình to completely dominate the midfield and continuously increase pressure on the opponent's half.
In the 70th minute, the outcome of the match was officially decided. Foreign player Geovane delivered a skillful assist with the outside of his foot, setting up young striker Nguyen Quoc Viet in a favorable position. The striker did not miss the opportunity, heading the ball powerfully into the net to seal a 2-0 victory for Thanh Hoa.
Key statistics from the match
| Parameter | Ninh Binh | Thanh Hoa |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | 2 | 0 |
| Red card | 0 | 1 (Doan Ngoc Tan) |
| Current score | 48 | But |
This victory is a strong affirmation of Ninh Binh's ambitions under the new regime. With 48 points, the team has a great opportunity to maintain its position in the top 3 as the tournament is heading towards its final rounds.
