SLNA U21 suffered their first defeat against Viettel U21.

The starting lineup ofU21 SLNAThere weren't many changes in this match compared to the previous one. The only substitution was Trần Văn Đạt, replaced by young player Hồ Văn Cương. With two consecutive wins, the team from Nghệ An is currently in second place with 6 points, trailing only U21 Bình Dương on goal difference. Therefore, with one more win, U21 SLNA will almost certainly qualify for the final round.National U212021.

With high determination, as soon as the opening whistle blew, U21 SLNA pressed hard, fiercely contesting with their opponents, not giving the home team any space. The midfield was always the focal point of the match. Dinh Xuan Tien was deployed as an attacking midfielder. Because the home team Viettel played a pressing game, the midfielder born in 2003 had many difficulties in organizing attacks for U21 SLNA.

Viettel, the reigning U21 national champions and playing at home, made no secret of their ambition to secure all three points in this match. The home team showed superior ball control. And in a chaotic situation in the U21 SLNA penalty area, a Viettel striker tapped the ball into the net from close range to open the scoring in the 30th minute.

SLNA U21 played with great effort but were unable to earn any points against defending champions Viettel at home. Photo: PV

Having conceded the first goal, U21 SLNA tried to push their formation higher to look for opportunities, but the home team also showed their ability to press high up the pitch. The passes from the Nghe An team were often broken down quite early.

SLNA's right flank was also frequently exploited by the home team. Player Vuong Van Huy was repeatedly easily bypassed by Viettel's midfielders. The situation in the 26th minute of the match is a prime example, when Van Huy was beaten by a Viettel midfielder who then crossed the ball into the box, but unfortunately, the home team's striker narrowly missed the target with his shot.

In the final minutes of the first half, the home team demonstrated their class by having a slight advantage in ball possession over SLNA. And Viettel's left wing was always the source of their sharp attacking moves.

Overall in the first half, the yellow-shirted team tried to limit the home team's strength; however, with many quality players and a modern playing style, Viettel played more effectively and took the lead.

In the second half, U21 SLNA started better, and the visiting team had the first opportunity of the half. Tran Manh Quynh skillfully maneuvered in front of the penalty area and unexpectedly unleashed a diagonal shot; however, the ball went wide of Viettel's goal.

Just as SLNA's morale was rising, Viettel scored to extend their lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute. It was a counter-attack down the left flank, with the ball passed to striker Kim Nhật. His close-range shot left goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Bá with no chance to save it.

In the final minutes of the match, U21 SLNA tried to push forward in search of a goal, but Viettel showed their composure and the solidity of a reigning champion. The final score was 2-0 in favor of the home team.

Duc Anh