Merlo scores, SHB.ĐN defeats HN.T&T 1-0

After four goalless matches, the top scorer of the Han River team - striker Gaston Merlo - finally broke his scoring drought with the only goal in the 57th minute, securing a full three points for the home team at Chi Lang Stadium.

Merlo once again had the opportunity to celebrate a goal with his teammates - Photo: Anh Tài

In a situation where they needed a win to end their losing streak, SHB.ĐN quickly pushed forward with an attacking formation right after the opening whistle. With the mobility of their midfield, the home team easily controlled the game and created many dangerous situations towards goalkeeper Dương Hồng Sơn's goal. Meanwhile, despite deploying five players in midfield, coach Phan Thanh Hùng's team appeared to be at a disadvantage.

Having gone four consecutive matches without scoring for the Han River team, Gaston Merlo became increasingly impatient in his finishing. Therefore, despite receiving numerous passes from his teammates, the Argentinian striker was unable to find the net. Most regrettably, his quick shot in the 37th minute, though powerful and dangerous, was thwarted by the excellent save of goalkeeper Duong Hong Son.

Not only Merlo, but Nguyên Sa and Cosmin also had opportunities in the 33rd and 34th minutes, but either failed to beat the opposing goalkeeper or were denied a goal by the crossbar.

After the break, the home team's impatience became even more apparent, most notably in the 54th minute when Merlo received a needless yellow card for protesting against the referee. However, just three minutes later, a momentary lapse in concentration from captain Cristiano cost the visitors dearly. Nguyen Sa crossed the ball from the right wing, Cristiano misjudged the trajectory, allowing Merlo to head the ball into the far corner, beating goalkeeper Duong Hong Son and giving SHB Da Nang a 1-0 lead.

After scoring, the home team at Chi Lăng Stadium retreated into defense, conceding control of the midfield to their opponents. However, despite having more possession, the visitors' attacking options were unable to overcome SHB.ĐN's very solid defense. The credit for this goes to the central defensive pairing of Cosmin and Hai Lam. Not only did they provide excellent cover for each other and defend brilliantly in aerial duels, but Cosmin and Hai Lam also neutralized numerous opponent attacks thanks to their quick situational awareness.

Holding onto their 1-0 lead until the very last minute, SHB.ĐN secured a victory after a streak of four consecutive draws and losses. With these three points, SHB.ĐN officially returned to the Top 3 in the standings, trailing only second-placed HN.T&T on goal difference.

STARTING LINEUP
SHB.DN:Thanh Bình; Duy Lam, Hải Lâm, Cosmin, Tấn Điền (Ngọc Nguyên, 70'); Hoàng Quãng (Minh Tâm, 81'), Nguyên Sa, Minh Phương, Quốc Anh; Danny, Merlo (Minh Tuấn, 62').

Hanoi T&T:Hong Son; Quoc Long, Van Bien, Cristiano, Hong Tien; Samson, Van Hieu (Ngoc Duy, 64'), Sy Cuong, Van Quyet, Thanh Luong (Duy Nam, 76'); Gonzalo.

According to Bongdaplus - National Team