14 years ago, at Hang Day stadium, Hanoi FC suffered a 2-6 defeat to SLNA. The recent 1-4 scoreline almost mirrored that earlier loss, with the margin narrowed only by a goal from forward Nguyen Van Tung in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.

The capital team's performance lacked energy, a continuation from their 1-3 loss to Cong an TP HCM in the V-League's opening round this season. Disjointed attacks, a lack of player cohesion, and numerous errors resulted in their most significant defeat since a 0-3 loss to Nam Dinh in V-League 2024-2025. Midfielder Nguyen Hai Long commented after the match, "All aspects were poor. The score says it all. The conceded goals were the team's fault."

Hanoi FC defender Vu Dinh Hai (left) challenges SLNA midfielder Abdel-Amine Tran Duc Vinh during their round 2 V-League 2026-2027 match at Hang Day stadium, Hanoi on 12/9. *Photo: Hoang Huynh*

Hanoi FC started the new season with a new strategy under head coach Harry Kewell, who implemented a 4-4-2 formation. However, four foreign players — center-back Christie Cyrus, midfielder Iuval Sade, and forwards Adam Taggart and Andrew Jung — have struggled to integrate. The team also faced the long-term absence of center-back Do Duy Manh due to injury. Additionally, key domestic players like Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Nguyen Hai Long, and Pham Xuan Manh appeared fatigued and unaccustomed to the new system.

Against SLNA, the hosts began strongly, generating several dangerous chances, but Taggart squandered a crucial opportunity due to excessive caution. In the 35th minute, Bruno Pereira cleverly escaped Nguyen Thanh Chung's marking from a left-wing cross to the far post. He then headed the ball subtly but effectively against the direction of goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan, opening the scoring.

An SLNA fan disregarded stadium rules, rushing from Stand B onto the field to embrace a player in celebration. Head coach Van Sy Son jubilantly jumped and hugged his SLNA team members, celebrating their success against his former club. In contrast, Hanoi FC's head coach Harry Kewell slumped into his seat, waving his hand in frustration.

Starting Lineup

Hanoi FC: Quan Van Chuan, Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Christie Cyrus, Vu Dinh Hai, Do Hung Dung, Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Hai Long, Iuval Sade, Adam Taggart, Andrew Jung

SLNA: Cao Van Binh, Bui Thanh Duc, Le Nguyen Hoang, Hoang Van Khanh, Phan Ba Quyen, Le Van Quy, Ho Khac Ngoc, Joseph Onoja, Abdel-Amine Tran Duc Vinh, Phan Xuan Dai, Bruno Pereira.

Hieu Luong