XM Hai Phong FC produced a ruthless away performance in the Vietnam National Champion League on Saturday, thrashing SHB Da Nang 5-1 at the Hòa Xuân Stadium. The visitors combined high pressing with clinical finishing to secure one of the most comprehensive results of the round.
Match overview
Hai Phong started aggressively and stunned the home side with an early goal. Their pressing forced Da Nang into rushed passes, and the visitors’ quick transitions repeatedly exposed gaps in the home defence. By half-time, Hai Phong had established a commanding lead and had already taken control of the midfield battle.
Da Nang briefly responded early in the second half with a well-taken goal, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished almost immediately as Hai Phong restored their dominance and added two more goals in the closing stages.
Key moments
- 7th minute: Lê Xuân Tú opened the scoring with a sharp finish after a turnover in midfield.
- 19th minute: Nguyễn Hữu Sơn doubled the lead, converting a low cross at the back post.
- 41st minute: Trần Minh Chiến made it 3-0 with a powerful strike from outside the box.
- 55th minute: Phạm Văn Long pulled one back for SHB Da Nang with a neat finish.
- 65th minute: Lê Xuân Tú scored his second to restore Hai Phong’s three-goal cushion.
- 78th minute: Nguyễn Hữu Sơn completed the scoring with his second of the night.
Tactical story
Hai Phong’s victory was built on aggressive pressing and fast ball movement. They denied Da Nang time on the ball in central areas and forced mistakes that led directly to attacking opportunities. When they won possession, the visitors attacked with purpose, often using wide overloads before cutting the ball back into the penalty area.
Da Nang struggled to cope with the intensity of Hai Phong’s press and were repeatedly caught out of shape. Their consolation goal came from a rare moment of sustained pressure, but they could not build on it. Hai Phong’s ability to score at key moments—especially the immediate response after Da Nang’s goal—demonstrated their game management and ruthlessness.
Standout performers
Lê Xuân Tú and Nguyễn Hữu Sơn were the driving forces behind Hai Phong’s attacking display, each scoring twice and causing constant problems for the Da Nang defence. Trần Minh Chiến’s first-half strike was another highlight, while the midfield trio worked tirelessly to win second balls and launch counterattacks. For Da Nang, Phạm Văn Long took his goal well, but the home side’s defensive errors proved costly.
What the result means
The three points give XM Hai Phong FC a significant boost in the Vietnam National Champion League standings and strengthen their attacking reputation. For SHB Da Nang, the heavy home defeat raises urgent questions about their defensive organisation and ability to handle high-pressure opponents. Hai Phong will look to carry the momentum forward, while Da Nang must regroup quickly before their next fixture.