Stallion Laguna 0-1 HCMC: Coach praises Huynh Nhu's masterpiece

Ho Chi Minh City FC won 1-0 against Stallion Laguna in the opening day of the AFC Champions League thanks to the decisive free kick by captain Huynh Nhu in the second half. After the match, coach Ernest Nierras admitted that Ho Chi Minh City deserved to win 3 points and gave direct praise for the decisive goal.

Super free kick decides

The difference came from a set piece: Huynh Nhu took a tricky free kick to score the only goal of the match. Coach Ernest Nierras said: “It was unfortunate to lose the free kick. Huynh Nhu’s free kick was very good, and we were also unlucky today.” He added: “HCMC Women’s Club deserved to win. They are a team with collective strength.”

Stallion took advantage of his physicality, high pressing and first half chances

The Philippines representative took the initiative to attack from the start, exploiting their physical advantage to compete strongly and apply high pressure. According to coach Ernest Nierras, in the first half, his team "organized effective attacks and had many opportunities". Many times Stallion's hanging balls and aerial duels put goalkeeper Kim Thanh's goal under pressure.

The pitch was not in optimal condition, but this was a common condition for both teams. Nierras clarified: “Today, the pitch conditions were not very favorable, but this was a common difficulty for both teams.” In this context, each set piece situation became an important weapon – and Ho Chi Minh City took advantage of it successfully.

Adjustments of HCMC after the break

Coach Nguyen Hong Pham admitted that the team had a difficult first 45 minutes due to the physical pressure and high pressing style of Stallion: "The other team took advantage of their physical strength and physical strength and played high pressing, forcing us to retreat deep and lose control of the game."

After the break, HCMC proactively pushed up their formation to regain control. “The opening match is always difficult, not only for men’s football but also for women’s football… After the break, HCMC Women’s Club pushed up their formation and created a balance,” coach Nguyen Hong Pham shared. The more balanced match opened up a decisive opportunity from the penalty spot for the home team and Huynh Nhu did not miss it.

Pace of play and playing conditions

The high tempo in the first half belonged to Stallion, while HCMC chose to adjust their rhythm and spacing after the break. On an imperfect pitch, set pieces and concentration at key moments became key – the difference was the accuracy of Huynh Nhu's shot.

Post-match reactions

Nierras stressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, despite the disappointing result. He assessed that HCMC won based on collective strength and a quality moment from a decisive set piece situation. On the other hand, the HCMC coaching staff acknowledged the unique difficulties of the opening match and the value of tactical adjustments after the break.

Next match schedule

Match on November 16:

• Ho Chi Minh City vs Lion City Sailors.
• Stallion Laguna vs Melbourne (top team Melbourne).

The first victory helps HCMC gain psychological momentum for the road ahead, while Stallion still maintains many positive signals from the way they controlled the match in the first half and the ability to create opportunities against highly rated opponents.