Overcoming Hanoi FC, HAGL officially secures V-League survival

Hoang Anh Gia Lai produced a remarkable turnaround against Hanoi FC, clinching a 3-1 victory and thus mathematically guaranteeing their top-flight status for the 2025/26 season with a match to spare.

Before Matchday 25 of the 2025/26 V-League, Hoang Anh Gia Lai could not afford to relax in the relegation battle, as their lead over the bottom teams was slim. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC also needed a win to maintain their position among the leaders. Consequently, the clash at Pleiku Stadium was marked by high determination from both sides.

Right from the kickoff, Hanoi FC took the initiative. The visitors controlled possession well and consistently pressured goalkeeper Trung Kien's goal. In the 11th minute, Passira had a clear chance following an assist from Hai Long but his shot lacked accuracy.

On the other hand, HAGL primarily waited for counterattacking opportunities. The home side struggled to build their play as Hanoi FC maintained constant pressure. After several missed chances, the capital city side finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.

From a favorable hold-up play by Floro Da Silva Daniel, Hoang Hen unleashed a precise angled shot that beat Trung Kien, giving Hanoi FC a 1-0 lead. That remained the only goal of the first half.

In the second half, HAGL were forced to push forward in search of an equalizer. The determination of the mountain town club paid off in the 62nd minute. Gia Bao delivered a troublesome cross from the right, and in his attempt to clear, Thanh Chung inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, making it 1-1.

The equalizer lifted the spirits of the Pleiku home side. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC squandered several golden opportunities, most notably when Tuan Hai missed the ball completely in the 75th minute after a favorable assist from Van Quyet.

While the visitors were still rueing their missed chances, HAGL launched a sharp counterattack. In the 80th minute, Gia Bao again shone with a confident dribble before firing a beautiful angled shot to make it 2-1 for the hosts.

In the closing minutes, Hanoi FC threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. However, HAGL's defense remained focused and held firm. In the first minute of stoppage time, the home side completed their perfect comeback with a goal from Gabriel Da Conceicao. The Brazilian foreign player burst forward on the counter and coolly finished to seal a 3-1 victory.

This result allowed Hoang Anh Gia Lai to officially achieve their survival objective one match early. In contrast, Hanoi FC not only missed the chance to strengthen their top-four position but also faced the risk of being overtaken by rivals on the table after the penultimate round of the season.

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