Coach Phan Nhu Thuat admitted that Song Lam Nghe An was lucky against Hai Phong.

On the evening of May 3, at Lach Tray Stadium,Lam River Nghe Anhad a challenging away trip to Hai Phong in round 21 of V.League 2024/25. Despite being under a lot of pressure and being outplayed for most of the match, the Nghe An team still steadfastly kept a clean sheet and left the field with a valuable point in the relegation race.

Facing a highly rated opponent and having to play away, coach Phan Nhu Thuat instructed his players to enter the game with extreme caution. Song Lam Nghe An proactively conceded the game, organized a low formation and concentrated the majority of the team in the home field to protect the goal guarded by goalkeeper Van Viet. This proactive defensive style made it easy for Hai Phong to control the ball and continuously organize attacks, creating many dangerous attacks. However, the away team's defense played with concentration and remained solid.

Despite being outplayed, Song Lam Nghe An were not completely passive. In the first half, they still created some notable counter-attacks. Most notably, Olaha's free kick outside the box, which went dangerously and hit Dinh Trieu's crossbar. However, the first half ended without either side scoring a goal.

In the second half, the game was still in Hai Phong's favor as they continued to put pressure on and create many dangerous opportunities. However, in a day of excellent performance, goalkeeper Van Viet became a solid stopper to help Song Lam Nghe An stand firm against the opponent's strong attacks. Van Viet's quick reflexes and alertness in set pieces and high balls played an important role in helping the Nghe An team keep their net safe.

Speaking after the match, coach Phan Nhu Thuat expressed satisfaction with the draw, and acknowledged that luck had played a role in helping his team get the points: “I am very pleased that Song Lam Nghe An earned 1 point at Lach Tray Stadium. This is the result of the team’s tireless efforts, and partly thanks to luck.”

He also highly appreciated his opponents: “Hai Phong had many clear opportunities but could not score. That is football. Today we were lucky, but we also need to acknowledge the whole team's fighting spirit to win 1 valuable point.”

Talking about goalkeeper Van Viet, Mr. Thuat praised: "Not only in this match, but in many previous matches, Van Viet has always been a solid support with many excellent saves. Today he continued to have a great performance, contributing greatly to helping the team get a draw."

With 1 point, Song Lam Nghe An still cannot escape the relegation race. Therefore, coach Phan Nhu Thuat affirmed that this year's relegation race will be very fierce: "We are determined that every match is a final. Every match must strive to get points, each point is valuable. The relegation race can only be decided in the final rounds."

The away draw will be an important morale boost for coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team in their journey to stay in the V.League this season.