Dong Tam Long An’s first loss and Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s dropped victory in the last minute are among the five most notable talking points of the 2015 V-League’s tenth round, which concluded on April 19.
1. Dong Tam Long An suffer first defeat of the season
Dong Tam Long An had their nine-game unbeaten run snapped by Quang Ninh Coal on April 19 as forward Vu Minh Tuan scored the game’s only goal after 23 minutes to secure Quang Ninh a narrow 1-0 victory. Quang Ninh Coal still deserves to be called the ‘kings of away stadiums’ with their five wins and one draw from six away matches.
2. H.A Gia Lai deprived of victory in last minute of play
H.A Gia Lai (in blue) still could not quench their thirst for victory.
H.A Gia Lai failed to defend their 2-1 advantage till the final whistle was blown as they let Dong Nai equalise the score in the second half injury time on Sunday. With this unexpected draw, attributed to defensive mistakes and a lack of concentration, H.A Gia Lai missed the chance to improve their place in the V-League standings, while Dong Nai temporarily escaped the bottom position with the one precious point they won as a result of the tie.
3. Song Lam Nghe An continue to fly high
Song Lam Nghe An made it through to their fifth consecutive win after fighting back to trounce Dong Thap 3-1 on Sunday. The victory lifted the team to second place in the standings with 20 points, just two points adrift of leaders Becamex Binh Duong.
4. Interesting title race
The race to this year’s title is getting fiercer than ever with strong battle among defending champions Becamex Binh Duong, Song Lam Nghe An, Quang Ninh Coal and Thanh Hoa. After ten rounds, Binh Duong still proved to be the biggest favourite for the crown with 22 points; however, they are facing mounting pressure from the three remaining teams in the second group with the same score of 20.
5. Hanoi T&T disappoint
Hanoi T&T is currently one of the most disappointing teams in the 2015 V-League season. Despite a strong lineup, the reigning V-League runners-up have bagged just two wins and four draws after 10 rounds and were beaten into ninth position in the standings with just 10 points.