A penalty in the 88th minute decided the match, HAGL lost to Ha Tinh 0-1.
VAR confirmed Atshimene was fouled in the 88th minute, referee Nguyen Manh Hai awarded Ha Tinh a penalty, and the Nigerian striker scored the only goal. Coach Le Quang Trai expressed regret, as HAGL finished second to last with 7 points.
A moment in the 88th minute decided the entire match. After VAR intervention, referee Nguyen Manh Hai awarded Hong Linh Ha Tinh a penalty for Atshimene being fouled inside the penalty area. The Nigerian striker accurately converted the penalty, securing a 1-0 victory for the home team against HAGL in Round 10 of the V.League 2025.
Match developments: a tight game and a VAR moment.
On the pitch in Ha Tinh, both teams started cautiously. Under the guidance of coach Le Quang Trai, HAGL proactively played slowly, prioritizing ball control and organizing a multi-layered defense to close off gaps. On the opposite side, Hong Linh Ha Tinh maintained good team positioning and exploited the speed of their foreign players to put pressure on goalkeeper Trung Kien's goal.
For most of the match, HAGL's defense maintained focus, consistently neutralizing the home team's attacks. The turning point came in the 88th minute: Atshimene fell in the penalty area, VAR intervened, and referee Nguyen Manh Hai pointed to the penalty spot. From the penalty spot, the striker made no mistake, scoring the only goal of the match.
Tactical perspective: HAGL prioritizes a multi-layered defensive structure.
HAGL's plan was clear from the start: a slow pace, selective ball control, and a multi-layered defense to limit space behind them. This approach helped the visitors maintain balance for most of the match against a solid Ha Tinh team that made good use of the speed of their foreign players for counter-attacks.
In the context of unfavorable weather conditions, as coach Le Quang Trai admitted, the quality of HAGL's play and attacking rhythm were affected, reducing their ability to create breakthrough situations. When the initial goal was to secure at least one point, a penalty decision at the end of the match caused that plan to collapse.
Reaction: Coach Le Quang Trai expresses regret.
“We approached this match very seriously and carefully. The goal was to at least get one point, but things didn't go as planned. Today's result is truly disappointing for HAGL.”
He also commented on the playing conditions and team spirit:"The whole team gave their best. Perhaps we should be understanding given the playing conditions. Hopefully, HAGL will quickly forget this defeat and prepare better for the next match."
Impact: pressure to avoid relegation and opportunities ahead.
The defeat leaves HAGL second to last in the standings with 7 points. Coach Le Quang Trai admitted the team is under a lot of pressure in the relegation battle and emphasized that HAGL still has one game in hand, but their current position is still very precarious.
In Round 11, HAGL returns to Pleiku to host Dong A Thanh Hoa. This is seen as an opportunity for the team from the mountain town to regain their winning form, based on the improved playing style and spirit under their new coach.
Notable statistics
- Score: Hong Linh Ha Tinh 1-0 HAGL (Round 10 V.League 2025)
- Goal: Atshimene (penalty in the 88th minute, confirmed by VAR)
- Referee: Nguyen Manh Hai
- HAGL's current position: second to last with 7 points, with one game in hand.
- Venue: Ha Tinh Stadium; HAGL Goalkeeper: Trung Kien
