HÀ NỘI — Defending V.League 1 champions Nam Định triumphed 3-0 against Hà Nội FC at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on Sunday. This victory allowed Nam Định to temporarily leave Hà Nội five points behind in the rankings.

With key midfielder Đậu Văn Toàn sidelined due to injury, Hà Nội's coach Makoto Teguramori was compelled to rely on young player Ngô Đức Hoàng, resulting in a midfield that was easily overwhelmed by their opponents.

Nam Định scored three goals in the first half, courtesy of Kevin Phạm Ba, Lý Công Hoàng Anh and Brenner Marlos. Although Hà Nội attempted to mount a comeback after the break, they struggled to penetrate the solid defence of the visiting team.

Injured striker Nguyễn Xuân Son, a Brazilian native who obtained Vietnamese citizenship in 2024, drew attention when he joined Nam Định FC for the celebrations after the 3-0 victory. Son performed his typical samba dance, sharing the joy with his teammates and demonstrating that his legs are gaining strength again after months of rehabilitation.

The 0-3 defeat leaves Hà Nội five points behind Nam Định and nearly out of the championship race, while Nam Định are well positioned to defend their title with only five matches remaining. VNS