The match at Ninh Binh stadium was captivating from kickoff. The gap in player skill and home-field advantage seemed to disappear amidst unexpected moments and spectacular goals that shifted the game's momentum.

Ninh Binh started strongly in the second minute, with Nguyen Hoang Duc scoring the opener with a one-touch finish into the left corner. However, just a minute later, Luann Augusto delivered a through ball for Nguyen Thanh Nhan, who burst into the box and fired a left-footed shot across goal, leaving Dang Van Lam with no chance to react.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (28) of Ninh Binh competes during their 4-3 victory over HAGL in round 4 of the V-League 2026-2027 at Ninh Binh stadium on 18/10/2026. *Photo: HAGL*

The hosts held more possession, but their defense was vulnerable to direct counter-attacks through the middle. In the 19th minute, Jacintho broke the offside trap and went one-on-one with Van Lam, only to be fouled by Lucas Turci. Referee Bui Trung Dung immediately showed the Brazilian center-back a direct red card. This attacking pattern recurred in the 32nd minute, with Jacintho assisting Augusto, who shot across goal inside the box to make it 2-1.

Despite being a man down, Ninh Binh found renewed spirit through a moment of brilliance. Hoang Duc, after a combination play on the left wing, passed the ball centrally. Nguyen Quoc Viet feigned a shot, eliminating a defender, before unleashing a strike from about 20 m that flew into the top right corner to equalize. Ninh Binh stadium erupted in cheers, but Quoc Viet refrained from an exuberant celebration, instead clasping his hands to show respect for his former club.

In the second half, Ninh Binh brought on their main striker, Lucao Vinicius. Even with a numerical disadvantage, the ball control of their key players allowed Ninh Binh to dictate play. Lucao was unlucky with a header that hit the crossbar in the 67th minute. However, five minutes later, he celebrated with his signature outstretched arms after a powerful left-footed shot found the top left corner of the net.

Luann Augusto (orange jersey) of HAGL plays during their 3-4 loss to Ninh Binh in round 4 of the V-League 2026-2027 at Ninh Binh stadium on 18/10/2026. *Photo: HAGL*

The rollercoaster ride at Ninh Binh stadium continued. Home players and fans were stunned when Martins Romeu scored an own goal in the 76th minute. Earlier, Ninh Binh's left flank allowed Phan Nhat Thanh Long to dribble past two defenders to the byline before delivering a cross. Five minutes later, Ninh Binh fans were once again cheering, celebrating Vo Phuoc Bao's red card for a foul similar to Lucas Turci's just outside the penalty area.

HAGL retreated further into defense, trying to preserve the score, but a single lapse in concentration unraveled all their efforts. In the 90th minute, Vo Dinh Lam fouled Hoang Thai Binh on the left wing. HAGL players were focused on defending a set-piece, and the broadcast was showing a slow-motion replay of the previous incident. When the live feed returned, Ninh Binh's players were celebrating. Hoang Duc made the difference with a quick free-kick, floating a perfectly placed ball into the box. Nguyen Le Phat controlled it flawlessly with his first touch before placing it into the near corner, beating Trung Kien.

The dramatic 4-3 victory gave Ninh Binh 8 points after four rounds, propelling them to second place in the V-League, one point behind league leaders Cong an Ha Noi. Meanwhile, HAGL sits in 10th place with 4 points.

Starting Lineups:

Ninh Binh: Dang Van Lam, Hoang Thai Binh, Martins Romeu, Truong Tien Anh, Lucas Turci, Nguyen Duc Chien, Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Fred Friday, Pham Gia Hung, Nguyen Quoc Viet

HAGL: Tran Trung Kien, Ha Chau Phi, Nguyen Quoc Quang Huy, Basilio Cesar, Robson Reis, Tran Thanh Son, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Hoang Vinh Nguyen, Tran Gia Bao, Jacintho, Luann Augusto.

Hieu Luong