Goals: Caio Cesar 35’, Xuan Son 61’, 90’+3.

After nearly two months without playing at the top level, Xuan Son had a quiet start. But after about an hour, he warmed up and showcased his predatory instincts. In the 61st minute, following a defensive error from Lion City, Son found an opportunity in the penalty area. He skillfully turned past two opposing defenders before firing a powerful shot into the far corner, doubling Nam Dinh's lead to 2-0.

In the 90th+3 minute, Xuan Son received an assist from Ly Cong Hoang Anh, broke free to face the Lion City goalkeeper, and calmly finished into the far corner, sealing the 3-0 victory. This marked Son's fifth goal in the Southeast Asian Club Cup, following a hat-trick against Shan United in matchday 3 on 4/12/2025.

Xuan Son celebrates his goal, extending Nam Dinh's lead to 2-0 against Lion City in matchday 4 of Group B of the 2025-2026 Southeast Asian Club Cup, on the evening of 29/1, at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh. *Photo: Lam Duong*

The three-goal margin did not fully reflect the game. Nam Dinh played at Thien Truong Stadium but did not completely dominate their Singaporean opponents. The home team's players struggled with space control and their coordination was somewhat disjointed. Defender Nguyen Van Vi was caught offside three times in under 20 minutes.

In the 35th minute, a turning point occurred when striker Caio Cesar dribbled from the left wing into the center and curled a shot into the far corner. Goalkeeper Ivan Susak's full-stretch dive was not enough to save it. From that point, Nam Dinh gradually improved their play. Throughout the match, they controlled possession for over 56% and registered 11 shots, with 5 on target – compared to Lion City's 3 shots and 2 on target.

Xuan Son was also named Player of the Match. "Son's return has made our attack much stronger," captain Nguyen Manh shared after the game. "His goals are what we have needed for a long time. Son is always professional and works hard on the field, which is a deserved reward for him."

The captain of the Nam Dinh team also stated that the squad always aims for the highest goals in tournaments for their fans, striving to secure the top spot after the final matchday and win the semifinals.

Nam Dinh secured four consecutive wins, earning an early ticket to the semifinals of the 2025-2026 Southeast Asian Club Cup, on the evening of 29/1, at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh. *Photo: Lam Duong*

In the other group matches, Johor Darul Tazim defeated Shan United 3-0, and Svay Rieng drew 0-0 with Bangkok United. These results mean Nam Dinh remains at the top with 12 points (goal difference +9), while Johor Darul Tazim is second with 10 points (+9); both teams have qualified for the semifinals.

On the final matchday, 5/2, Nam Dinh only needs a draw against Johor Darul Tazim to secure first place in the group.

Starting Lineups:

Nam Dinh: Nguyen Manh, Van Vi, Lucas Alves, Van Kien, Dijks, Walber Mota, Percy Tau, Romulo, Tuan Anh, Caio Cesar, Xuan Son.

Lion City: Susak, Lionel Tan, Hariss Harun, Datkovic, Bailey Wright, Azman, Ndenge, Digo Costa, Lenart Thy, Anderson Lopes, Anuar.

Duc Dong