Song Lam Nghe An suffered a heavy defeat at Thep Xanh Nam Dinh.
Having secured their survival in the league early, Song Lam Nghe An gave opportunities to many young players in their away match against Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. However, their lack of experience led to a 0-3 defeat in Round 25 of the V.League 2025/26.
Following their crucial victory against Becamex Ho Chi Minh City in the previous round, securing their survival in the league two rounds early, Song Lam Nghe An entered their away match against Thep Xanh Nam Dinh with a relatively relaxed mindset. Having achieved their season's objectives, the coaching staff decided to field many young players in preparation for the 2026/27 season.
SLNA's starting lineup featured a number of young players such as Phan Văn Thành, Lê Nguyên Hoàng, Mai Hoàng, Quang Vinh, and Long Vũ.
With the pressure on the scoreline no longer as intense, both teams started the match quite openly. In the 8th minute, SLNA had their first dangerous opportunity. From a combination play on the right wing, Michael Olaha passed the ball to Long Vũ. The young midfielder cut inside and unleashed a curling shot with his left foot, but the ball went wide.
Three minutes later, the Nghe An team created another notable opportunity. Quang Vinh combined with Karim Phi Long Tran before the young midfielder executed a skillful move to beat the opposing defender and unleashed a shot into the far corner. The ball deflected off a home team player, changing direction and hitting the post of the Nam Dinh Steel Green goal, much to the disappointment of the SLNA players.
Despite attacking but failing to score, the Nghe An team paid the price. In the 14th minute, from an attack down the right wing, Nam Dinh Steel delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area. Nguyen Xuan Son used his experience to overcome Phan Van Thanh's marking before heading the ball into the net, opening the scoring 1-0 for the home team.
The conceded goal somewhat dampened the confidence of the young SLNA players. Meanwhile, the home team at Thien Truong Stadium played with increasing enthusiasm. In the 24th minute, Nam Dinh Steel Green orchestrated a beautiful combination on the right wing. Tuan Anh delivered a perfect cross for Xuan Son to unleash an impromptu bicycle kick, sending the ball into the net, leaving goalkeeper Cao Van Binh helpless and increasing the score to 2-0.
In the remaining minutes of the first half, SLNA tried to find an equalizer. Long Vũ had another notable opportunity in the 32nd minute when he used his speed to break through the opposing defense. However, his final shot was far too inaccurate.
Conversely, Nam Dinh Green Steel continuously exploited the right flank of SLNA, where Mai Hoang and his teammates faced many difficulties against the home team's fast-paced attacks. The inexperience of the young players often left the Nghe An team's defense in a passive state.
Entering the second half, the SLNA coaching staff made several adjustments to refresh their playing style. Long Vũ and Forstes left the field, making way for Trần Mạnh Quỳnh and Văn Huy. Justin Garcia was also substituted off, with Hoàng Văn Khánh coming on to reinforce the defense.
These changes helped SLNA play better. In the 55th minute, Michael Olaha made a good back pass for Karim Phi Long Tran to run forward and take a shot. However, the young midfielder's shot hit a Nam Dinh defender's leg and went out of bounds.
While the visiting team was still trying to find an equalizer, Nam Dinh Steel continued to demonstrate their superior class. In the 70th minute, Tuan Anh executed a skillful dribble down the right wing, beating Phan Van Thanh before eliminating goalkeeper Cao Van Binh and passing the ball across to Xuan Son, who easily tapped it into the empty net, completing his hat-trick and increasing the score to 3-0.
In the final minutes of the match, the home team created several more dangerous opportunities. In the 78th minute, Xuan Son nearly scored a fourth goal when his header hit the crossbar of the SLNA goal.
No further goals were scored, and the match ended with a 3-0 victory for Nam Dinh Green Steel.
The defeat at Thien Truong Stadium did not affect SLNA's goals as the Nghe An team had already secured their place in the league. However, the match also highlighted the gap in experience and professional ability between the young players and the V.League environment. These will be valuable lessons for Quang Vinh, Long Vu, Le Nguyen Hoang, Mai Hoang, and Van Thanh to continue improving themselves, aiming for a greater role in the future of the Nghe An team.
