Playing better than the opponent, Song Lam Nghe An still let Hong Linh Ha Tinh hold them to a draw.
Despite having one more player and taking an early lead, Song Lam Nghe An still let Hong Linh Ha Tinh hold them to a draw in the match of round 4 of V.League 2025/26.
After the first 3 rounds, Song Lam Nghe An has only earned 3 points with 1 win and 2 losses. Unstable performance puts coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team under a lot of pressure entering round 4.
Meanwhile, Hong Linh Ha Tinh is showing excitement. Despite starting with a 1-3 defeat against Ninh Binh, coach Nguyen Cong Manh's team quickly returned with two consecutive victories against SHB Da Nang and Dong A Thanh Hoa. This achievement brought Ha Tinh up the rankings and created more confidence before the away match at Vinh Stadium.
The matches between SLNA and Ha Tinh always have a special color, not only because of the derby nature but also because of the rare balance. Since Ha Tinh joined the V.League, the two teams have met 9 times, of which 6 matches ended in a draw. SLNA is slightly better with 2 1-0 wins, while Ha Tinh made its mark with a 2-0 win in the 2021 season. That makes fans continue to wait for a dramatic scenario, where both sides do not want to give up.
Before this derby, SLNA suffered a big loss when central defender Hoang Van Khanh was injured. The home team's defense will therefore put its trust in the combination of Julian Garcia and Le Van Thanh, along with the two familiar wings of Vuong Van Huy and Ho Van Cuong. SLNA's midfield is still arranged with 4 players including: Ba Quyen, Khac Ngoc, Long Vu and Ngo Van Luong. On the attack line, Olaha and More are the two main strikers.
Playing at home, SLNA entered the game confidently and proactively held the ball high to attack. In particular, the 2 wings were chosen by the Vinh home team to look for opportunities.
After many approaches to Thanh Tung's goal until the 7th minute, SLNA opened the score. Starting from a corner kick, Justin Garcia chose a perfect landing point in the middle of the away team's players to make a header that hit the ground and bounced into the opponent's net.
After conceding the goal, Hong Linh Ha Tinh pushed up their formation to find an equalizer. However, before they could accomplish that task, they continued to face another disadvantage. In a contest on the right wing in the direction of Hong Linh Ha Tinh's attack, Huynh Tuan Tai kicked Van Huy's shin. The referee initially showed a yellow card but then checked VAR and decided to change it to a red card.
Huynh Tuan Tai was sent off, forcing coach Cong Manh to put veteran Trong Hoang on the field to replace Dinh Tuan Tai. However, with the disadvantage in terms of personnel, the away team could not find opportunities in front of Van Binh's goal. SLNA even created countless opportunities in front of goalkeeper Thanh Tung (Hong Linh Ha Tinh). However, the first half ended with SLNA only scoring 1 goal.
Entering the second half, SLNA, despite having more players, did not dare to attack. On the other hand, Hong Linh Ha Tinh rose up strongly. And with their determination raised, the away team brought the match back to the starting line. The equalizer was scored in the 55th minute, after a sensational cross from the left wing by Mai Sy Hoang, Vikto Le chose a suitable position to head the ball into the net of goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.
After being equalized, SLNA launched a high attack with the determination to win. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team deployed the ball from many directions. However, the home team's attacks were quite monotonous, making it not too difficult for Hong Linh Ha Tinh's defense to stop them.
Therefore, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.