HAGL will pose a challenge for The Cong Viettel

The Round 19 match at 7:15 PM on April 19 is not only an opportunity for The Cong Viettel to chase the top spot but also a test of the character of HAGL players. The host team at Hang Day Stadium is missing coach Popov and has often been unlucky when facing HAGL in previous seasons.

On the standings table,The Cong Viettelcurrently has 38 points, trailing the top team Hanoi Police by 7 points, and must win to avoid losing momentum in the championship race.

However, the opponent for coach Velizar Popov and his team is aHAGLthat is riding high after a 2-1 victory over Nam Dinh.

What makesThe Cong Viettelcautious is not only the form but also an inexplicable jinx. Under coach Velizar Popov, his team has never defeated HAGL from 2022 to the present.

From his time managing Thanh Hoa to leading The Cong Viettel since 2022, the Bulgarian coach has repeatedly been helpless against HAGL. In this match, the Bulgarian coach cannot directly command due to a suspension penalty, depriving The Cong Viettel of a crucial tactical and psychological pillar.

On the other side, HAGL under coach Le Quang Trai is proving they are not an opponent easily bullied. This team's form may be inconsistent, but that unpredictability makes HAGL dangerous.

HAGL has made Ninh Binh struggle, posed difficulties for Hanoi Police, and recently defeated Nam Dinh right at the "fiery cauldron" Thien Truong Stadium. When morale is high, HAGL is capable of replicating that scenario against any opponent.

The victory over Nam Dinh, despite some luck involved, holds significant psychological value. It helps HAGL relieve pressure after a streak of non-winning matches and, more importantly, builds confidence that they can determine their own fate. In the relegation battle, confidence can sometimes be more crucial than tactics.

HAGL is showing positive changes. The club has young players like Minh Tam, Gia Bao, and Quang Kiet performing confidently, while the midfield with Marciel and Vinh Nguyen provides necessary balance. The attack, though not yet sharp, has clearly improved with 6 goals in the last 3 matches.

The Cong Viettel needs a convincing win over HAGL to maintain championship hopes. But that pressure itself could become a double-edged sword. Against a relaxed opponent like HAGL, just a moment of lapse in concentration could cost The Cong Viettel dearly.

Head-to-head history also shows a surprisingly balanced record between the two teams. In their last 10 meetings since 2020, each side has 4 wins and 2 draws.

HAGL had the fortune to take 3 points at Ninh Binh, while currently The Cong Viettel is witnessing their coach facing difficulties.