Shanghai Port 2-3 Cong An Ha Noi FC produced one of the standout results of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase, with the Vietnamese side claiming a dramatic away win at the Pudong Football Stadium on 27 October 2026. In a match that swung repeatedly, Cong An Ha Noi recovered from conceding first and then struck late to leave Shanghai Port with a damaging home defeat.

Match overview

Shanghai Port began as the more assertive side, controlling possession and pushing Cong An Ha Noi deep with early width on both flanks. The hosts’ pressure told when Wu Lei opened the scoring, finishing calmly after a quick exchange on the edge of the box. The lead, however, did not settle the contest. Cong An Ha Noi grew into the game and equalised through Nguyen Quang Hai, whose movement between the lines caused Shanghai Port persistent problems.

Shanghai Port restored their advantage before half-time when Matias Vargas converted from a narrow angle, but the pattern of the match remained uneasy. Cong An Ha Noi’s counter-attacking threat was real, and their equaliser arrived after the break through Alan Grafite, who capitalised on a defensive hesitation. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Quang Hai struck again in the closing stages to complete a memorable 3-2 victory for the visitors.

Key moments

• Opening goal: Wu Lei gave Shanghai Port the lead after a patient build-up, turning inside the box and finding the far corner.
• First equaliser: Nguyen Quang Hai levelled for Cong An Ha Noi with a low finish after a rapid transition.
• Shanghai Port retake the lead: Matias Vargas scored from a tight angle to make it 2-1 before the interval.
• Second equaliser: Alan Grafite punished a loose defensive touch to make it 2-2 early in the second half.
• Late winner: Quang Hai arrived late in the box to seal a 3-2 win for Cong An Ha Noi.

Tactical story

Shanghai Port’s approach was built on sustained possession and overlapping full-backs, but that attacking intent left space behind the defensive line. Cong An Ha Noi accepted the territorial trade-off and defended in a compact mid-block, looking to spring forward through Quang Hai and Grafite whenever possession turned over. The visitors were particularly effective at attacking the gap between Shanghai Port’s centre-backs and full-backs, an area that produced both equalising goals.

Shanghai Port created enough chances to take something from the match, but their finishing and final-third decision-making lacked composure in the decisive moments. The home side’s substitutions added energy but not control, and Cong An Ha Noi’s late winner was a fair reward for their discipline and ruthlessness on the break.

Standout performers

Nguyen Quang Hai was the clear difference-maker, scoring twice and constantly linking midfield and attack. His late run for the winner showed the kind of game awareness that separates tight Champions League Elite matches. Alan Grafite also impressed, holding the ball up and occupying Shanghai Port’s centre-backs, while goalkeeper Filip Nguyen made two important saves in the second half.

For Shanghai Port, Wu Lei was their most dangerous attacker and Matias Vargas offered invention from wide areas. Yet the home side’s defensive shape will concern the coaching staff, especially after conceding three goals in a match they largely controlled.

What it means

The result gives Cong An Ha Noi a significant boost in the AFC Champions League Elite league phase and underlines their ability to compete against established regional powers. For Shanghai Port, the defeat puts pressure on their campaign and raises questions about their ability to manage games after taking the lead. The Chinese side remain capable of recovering, but this is a result that will be remembered as one of the away performances of the round.