Song Lam Nghe An defeated Binh Dinh in the relegation battle.
Despite creating numerous opportunities, it wasn't until the 78th minute that Song Lam Nghe An successfully capitalized on one to secure a victory against Binh Dinh in a crucial match in the relegation battle.
.jpg)
ChiefLam River, Nghe AnBoth Binh Dinh and SHB Da Nang currently have 13 points and are only separated by goal difference, making this a do-or-die match. A defeat would mean dropping into the play-off round and risking SHB Da Nang closing the gap, or even overtaking them.
SLNA vs Binh Dinh starting lineup
SLNA:Van Viet, Van Huy, Zaracho, Van Khanh, Van Cuong, Quang Vinh, Van Luong, Khac Ngoc, Long Vu, Kuku, Olaha
Pacify:Tuan Linh, Salazar, Xuan Hung, Van Khoa, Van Thiet, Hong Quan, Van Trien, Thanh Truong, Alisson, Rivas, Hong Phuoc.
Understanding the importance of the situation, coach Phan Như Thuật fielded his strongest lineup with the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. The defense consisted of Vương Văn Huy, Zaracho, Văn Khánh, and Hồ Văn Cường. The midfield was handled by Khắc Ngọc, Quang Vinh, Ngô Văn Lương, and Long Vũ. The attack featured Olaha and Kuku as the main attacking threats.
.jpg)
With the home advantage, Song Lam Nghe An proactively pushed their formation high from the start, especially exploiting the right flank where Ho Van Cuong was active. In the 2nd minute, he delivered an accurate cross, but Olaha's shot lacked a bit of luck.
.jpg)
Not stopping there, from a central attack, a teammate headed the ball to Ngo Van Luong, who unleashed a shot, but once again the ball flew wide of goalkeeper Huynh Tuan Linh's goal.
In the first 10 minutes of the match, Song Lam Nghe An displayed a fairly diverse attacking style, alternating between wide attacks and central approaches to the goal. This allowed the home team in Vinh to create four opportunities to open the scoring. However, Olaha, Ngo Van Luong, and Khac Ngoc were all unable to convert these chances into goals.
On the other side of the pitch, Binh Dinh opted for an extremely disciplined defensive style of play, occasionally creating counter-attacks. In the 30th minute, Hoang Minh unleashed a dangerous long-range shot, but it wasn't enough to beat goalkeeper Van Viet.
The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
In the second half, to increase the attacking versatility, coach Phan Như Thuật decided to bring Trần Mạnh Quỳnh onto the field to replace Ngô Văn Lương. In the 52nd minute, the midfielder had a dangerous header, but goalkeeper Tuấn Linh managed to push the ball away.
Despite their persistent attacks, Song Lam Nghe An were not blessed with good fortune. Particularly in the 71st minute, from a cross by a teammate, Olaha launched a dangerous header, but Tuan Linh managed to dive and push the ball away. Kuku was there at the right moment, but his close-range shot was once again saved by the visiting team's goalkeeper.
After numerous attempts to build up play, Song Lam Nghe An finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute. Following a one-two pass with Khac Ngoc, Olaha unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. The shot was so strong that Tuan Linh made a mistake, letting the ball slip through his hands and into the net. Song Lam Nghe An took the lead.
In the final minutes of the match, Binh Dinh pushed forward in an attempt to find an equalizer, but without success. The final score was 1-0 in favor of Song Lam Nghe An.
