Ninh Binh fielded their strongest available lineup for the derby. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh welcomed the return of left-back Nguyen Phong Hong Duy.

However, it was Hong Duy who was at fault for the opening goal in the 30th minute. The defender, born in 1996, lost possession to Duc Chien, who then passed into the penalty area. Daniel Dos Anjos missed his shot, but Nguyen Hoang Duc arrived from midfield, took a touch, and fired a left-footed shot from just outside the box into the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh rooted to the spot.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (second from left) celebrates his opening goal in the 30th minute as Ninh Binh defeated Nam Dinh 2-0 in round 4 of the V-League 2025-2026, at Ninh Binh Stadium on 22/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh.

The Ninh Binh stadium erupted in celebration. Duc ran towards the stands, sat on an advertising board, and looked up at the cheering fans. The midfielder, born in 1998, scored for the second consecutive match, following his goal in the 4-2 victory over Phu Tho in the National Cup qualifiers, but this was his first goal in this season's V-League.

Things got even better for Ninh Binh just four minutes later when they doubled their lead. From a right-wing corner, Duc's delivery found its way to the near post. Duong Thanh Hao's headed clearance fell to Do Thanh Thinh, who volleyed with his left foot. The powerful shot towards the near post found the back of the net, despite Nguyen Manh getting a hand to it.

The home side's clinical finishing made things difficult for Nam Dinh. The champions enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to break down the disciplined Ninh Binh defense. Their 3-1 victory over Thai club Ratchaburi FC in the AFC Champions League on 17/9 provided little psychological boost, as that win was largely due to their foreign players.

Do Thanh Thinh celebrates his goal in the 34th minute during Ninh Binh's 2-0 win against Nam Dinh in round 4 of V-League 2025-2026 at Ninh Binh Stadium on 22/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh.

In the second half, Nam Dinh almost conceded a third goal in the 48th minute. Again, from a Duc corner on the right, Marcelino's header hit the crossbar and bounced down, but it didn't cross the line. Nguyen Manh then made a save under pressure from Gustavo Henrique.

In the 55th minute, coach Vu Hong Viet substituted Tran Van Dat and Caio Cesar for Percy Tau and Nguyen Van Vi to revitalize the attack. Ten minutes later, Duong Thanh Hao was replaced by Lam Ti Phong, with Romulo dropping back to center-back. However, the changes failed to produce a goal.

Nam Dinh's best chance came in the 78th minute. Romulo delivered a free-kick from the left, but Brenner's header was saved by Dang Van Lam. Winger Tau couldn't replicate his performance against Ratchaburi, failing to create any significant opportunities.

The 2-0 victory maintained Ninh Binh's 100% record in the V-League this season, with four wins from four matches. They returned to the top of the table with 12 points, two ahead of Cong An Ha Noi and five ahead of Nam Dinh.

The defending champions suffered their second defeat of the season, following their 2-1 loss to SLNA. Their inconsistent form from last season, when they competed on multiple fronts, seems to be repeating itself, compounded by squad rotation. In three days, they will host Cambodian club Svay Rieng in their opening match of the 2025-2026 Southeast Asian Club Cup.

Starting lineups:

Ninh Binh: Dang Van Lam, Marcelino, Do Thanh Thinh, Le Ngoc Bao, Dung Quang Nho, Tran Bao Toan, Duc Chien, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Chau Ngoc Quang, Gustavo Henrique, Daniel Dos Anjos

Nam Dinh: Tran Nguyen Manh, Duong Thanh Hao, Dang Van Toi, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, Kevin Pham Ba, Caio Cesar, Romulo, Tuan Anh, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Tran Van Dat, Brenner.

Hieu Luong