Pleiku Stadium recently underwent renovations, with its playing surface replaced to meet international standards. The match against Ho Chi Minh City FC (formerly Becamex Binh Duong) marked the inauguration of the new pitch. However, the home team suffered a 0-3 defeat.

This loss was not unexpected, given HAGL's significant loss of players after their struggle to avoid relegation last season. Key players like Minh Vuong, Chau Ngoc Quang, Tran Bao Toan, Dung Quang Nho, Pham Ly Duc, and Le Van Son departed, replaced by younger, less experienced players.

HAGL (right) suffered a heavy defeat in the opening match of the 2025-2026 V-League on the afternoon of 17/8. Photo: Minh Tran

HAGL (right) suffered a heavy defeat in the opening match of the 2025-2026 V-League on the afternoon of 17/8. Photo: Minh Tran

HAGL showed promise in the opening minutes, with Phan Du Hoc and Gabriel creating dangerous opportunities, but goalkeeper Minh Toan thwarted their efforts. Rain then began to fall, saturating the newly laid turf and making it slippery. This hampered the home team's short-passing game.

In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City FC, with their more experienced players, adapted better to the wet conditions. They began to exert pressure on the home team's defense. In the 37th minute, defender Ho Tan Tai fell inside the penalty area. After consulting VAR, the referee determined that Phan Du Hoc had committed a foul and awarded a penalty to the visiting team. Midfielder Vo Minh Trong easily converted the penalty, giving Ho Chi Minh City FC a 1-0 lead.

After halftime, HAGL's young players remained ineffective, unable to implement their playing style in the adverse weather. They struggled to create scoring chances and were vulnerable to counter-attacks when pushing forward in search of an equalizer. In the 72nd minute, Ho Chi Minh City FC substitute Nguyen Van Anh headed the ball past goalkeeper Trung Kien, extending their lead to 2-0.

In the 83rd minute, another counter-attack led to substitute Ismaila scoring with two consecutive shots, sealing a 3-0 victory for Ho Chi Minh City FC.

In another notable match, Thanh Hoa drew 1-1 with Da Nang at home. The away team opened the scoring in the 62nd minute through David Henen, but Nguyen Ngoc My equalized for Thanh Hoa three minutes later.

Lineups:

HAGL: Trung Kien, Quang Kiet, Jairo, Thanh Nhan, Rodrigo (Marciel, 75’), Gabriel, Duy Tam (Gia Huy, 55’), Hoang Minh (Ryan Ha, 90’), Vinh Nguyen (Anh Tai, 90’), Phuoc Bao, Du Hoc

Ho Chi Minh City FC: Minh Toan, Tung Quoc, Schmidt, Miguel, Thanh Hau, Minh Binh (Thanh Long, 89’), Minh Trong, Tuan Tai (Van Anh, 65’), Milos (Minh Khoa, 89’), Trung Hieu, Oduenyi (Ismaila, 79’)

Duc Dong