Hai Phong FC extinguishes Hanoi FC's championship dream

Despite boasting a national team lineup that shone during FIFA Days, Hanoi FC disappointed by falling to Hai Phong FC in round 17 of V-League 2025/26. This defeat is not merely a stumble; it could mark the end of their title ambitions.

Before the March FIFA Days, Hanoi FC was highly anticipated by its fans, returning strongly with 5 wins in the last 7 rounds.

When called up to the national team, Hanoi FC stars likeDuy Manh, Tuan Hai, Hoang Hen, Hai Long, and Xuan Manh all impressed coach Kim Sang Sik.

However, upon returning to the club, disappointment soon followed.Hanoi FCleft Lach Tray with only a bland performance and a bitter 0-1 defeat.

Those who had shone in the national team jersey collectively "powered down" against a rival considered a major adversary.

Coach Harry Kewell's squad lacked connection, lacked breakthroughs, and lacked the composure to make a difference when the team needed it most.

The absence ofHai Longdue to injury clearly affected creativity, but that cannot be an excuse. A club with ambitions like Hanoi FC cannot rely on one individual. The issue lies in the team's play itself: lacking sharpness, lacking intensity, and being easily predictable.

Conversely, Hai Phong entered the match with a nothing-to-lose mentality. After a streak of 8 matches without a win in 2026, the Port city team longed to relieve pressure. Under coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's guidance, the home side played a disciplined, energetic, and combative game.

Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem understands his former team too well. He knew how to neutralize the most dangerous threats, especially Hoang Hen.Hai Phongrendered Hen almost "missing" against the host's tight defensive system. It was no coincidence that the sole goal came from a sharp counterattack, featuring the impact of substitute Huu Son (assisting Huu Nam's sole goal in minute 79).

On the other side, Harry Kewell could only helplessly watch. The Australian coach admitted after the match that Hanoi FC "lost to themselves," reflecting the stagnation in their tactical execution. Across the line, Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem disagreed, stating Hai Phong deserved the win through their effort and displayed gameplay.

The clash between these two clubs has long been tense, and this time was no different. Post-match comments from both coaches showed neither conceding to the other.

Ultimately, Hanoi FC's defeat once again reveals their lack of stability compared to other title contenders. With 27 points after 17 rounds, Coach Kewell's team not only trails Hanoi Police by 17 points but also falls behind Viettel and Ninh Binh.

If the top two teams perform well in round 17, pressure on Hanoi FC will intensify. Regarding Hanoi Police, the city rival displays impressive form akin to what Hanoi FC achieved in 2018. That year, Hanoi FC entered V-League history by clinching the title 5 rounds early. If Hanoi Police breaks that record this year, it would also be a painful blow for Hanoi FC in its 20th anniversary year.

Hanoi FC is not short of stars, but they lack stability and composure in decisive matches. The loss at Lach Tray is not just a loss of 3 points; it is a heavy blow to confidence. With only 9 rounds remaining, the current gap seems nearly impossible to close.