HCM CITY — Goalkeeper Bùi Tiến Dũng of Đà Nẵng was the standout player in the play-off match for a spot in V.League 1 in the 2025-26 season, as Đà Nẵng faced Bình Phước on Friday in HCM City.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper made a crucial save by blocking a penalty kick from star striker Nguyễn Công Phượng, significantly contributing to Đà Nẵng's 2-0 victory and ensuring their place in V.League 1.

Throughout most of the match, Đà Nẵng found themselves under pressure from their opponents. Heavy rain made Thống Nhất Stadium pitch slippery, affecting both teams' tactics. However, buoyed by a large crowd, Bình Phước controlled the game and pressed Đà Nẵng's defense.

Under intense attack, goalkeeper Dũng and Đà Nẵng's defence successfully neutralised all threats posed by Công Phượng and his teammates. With a solid defensive counter-attacking strategy, Phạm Đình Duy opened the scoring for Đà Nẵng in the 68th minute. Just minutes later, Bình Phước was awarded a penalty, but Dũng emerged as a hero by blocking Phượng’s attempt.

Đà Nẵng maintained their tactical approach, managing to create enough space to secure a second goal by Hà Minh Tuấn in the 81st minute, sealing the match at 2-0. This result ensured Đà Nẵng's continuation in the V.League 1 for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Bình Phước's failure to secure promotion meant they also missed out on a potential bonus of up to VNĐ10 billion from their leadership.

Following the defeat, Bình Phước's coach Huỳnh Quốc Anh expressed his disappointment over the missed penalty kick by Công Phượng. "If Phượng had scored the penalty, everything would have been different," he said.

Coach Anh noted that the missed penalty in the 76th minute was a pivotal moment in the match. "If Phượng had scored, it would have been 1-1, and the game would have changed drastically. At that point, Đà Nẵng would have faced significant challenges, and Bình Phước could have come out on top," he explained. "The players gave their all; we regret not capitalising on a clear opportunity." VNS