Nghe An Derby: Will Song Lam Nghe An get 3 points at Vinh Stadium?
The Nghe derby round 4 of V.League 2025/26 promises to be full of drama. After nearly a month of rest to adjust the playing style, Song Lam Nghe An hopes that the return of center-back Julian Garcia will be the key to help them overcome Hong Linh Ha Tinh, who are "in form", to keep all 3 points at Vinh Stadium.
RiverBlueTurmeric An and period hope place row goalkeeper
After 3 rounds, Song Lam Nghe An only has 3 points with 1 win and 2 losses. The 0-2 loss to Hai Phong in round 3 clearly exposed the fragility of the defense. The domestic central defender duo Hoang Van Khanh and Tran Nam Hai had to work too hard, while young goalkeeper Cao Van Binh often faced dangerous situations.
The main reason was the absence of foreign central defender Julian Garcia. In his debut match, the Trinidad & Tobago player was sent off for inexperienced handling and received a 2-match suspension. Garcia's absence caused SLNA to lose an experienced defender and affected the team's morale.
The nearly 1-month break after round 3 became an opportunity for the coaching staff to strengthen the defense system. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat focused on improving the connection between the lines, at the same time, adding more diverse attacking options. Exercises on the wing, passing back, taking advantage of crosses and practicing finishing to limit wasted opportunities are the training plans that the coaching staff of Song Lam Nghe An has deployed for their students.
In the upcoming derby, Garcia will return and is expected to be an important piece to help SLNA regain its stability. If this foreign player quickly integrates and combines well with Hoang Van Khanh, the Nghe An team can reduce the pressure on the defense so that the front line can confidently find goals.
Pink Field River Static promote flower and challenge awakeliveyard Vinh
In contrast to SLNA, Hong Linh Ha Tinh is showing impressive form. After a 1-3 defeat in the opening match against Ninh Binh, coach Nguyen Cong Manh and his team have come back strongly with two consecutive victories against SHB Da Nang and Dong A Thanh Hoa. This result has brought Hong Linh Ha Tinh to the top of the rankings, and at the same time, added confidence for the away match at Vinh Stadium.
Hong Linh Ha Tinh is showing diversity in its playing style. No longer limited to defensive counter-attacks, they are ready to attack proactively thanks to a pair of quality foreign players. Striker Yevgeniy Serdyuk not only knows how to score goals but also plays a connecting role in the front line, while Atshimene Charles stands out thanks to his strength and ability to operate independently. In defense, center-back Helerson commands firmly, helping Hong Linh Ha Tinh keep a clean sheet in both of the last two wins.
Statistics show that in 9 confrontations in V.League, SLNA won 2, Hong Linh Ha Tinh won 1 and there were 6 draws. Notably, SLNA was unbeaten in the last 7 matches against Hong Linh Ha Tinh, but most of them ended with a close score. That is proof of the typical tension of the Nghe derby.
In this rematch, Hong Linh Ha Tinh has high form and confidence, while SLNA has home field advantage and the return of Garcia. The match will be a measure to evaluate the true class of the two teams.
Therefore, the 10th Nghe Derby in V.League promises to be a tense and emotional match. SLNA hopes for Garcia's return to keep the 3 points at Vinh Stadium, while Hong Linh Ha Tinh brings spirit and determination to the top position.
With the balance between the two teams, the match is likely to be tense and tense. If SLNA takes advantage of the return of Julian Garcia in defense and improves their finishing, the 3 points can completely stay at Vinh Stadium.
On the afternoon of September 21, Nghe An audiences are looking forward to living in the vibrant atmosphere of an emotional, attractive and dedicated derby match.