At Pleiku Stadium, Chau Ngoc Quang scored in the 25th minute to help HAGL take the lead. During the remaining time of the match, Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) tried to attack but could not shake the net of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien and accepted a 0-1 defeat.

In the post-match press conference, coach Alexandre Polking shared: "I am disappointed with this defeat. We should have had a better result. We created many opportunities but could not convert them into goals. But that is part of football. I am happy that the players tried their best. In terms of results, it is clearly not good, but in terms of skills, I think the players should continue to promote this way of playing."

This strategist was satisfied with the efforts of his players. On the contrary, he was disappointed because HAGL players were on the field too much: "HAGL actively defended firmly and tightly. But in my opinion, they played in a way that I think is very, very bad for the development of Vietnamese football. I don't understand why players were on the field for 20, 25 minutes. This made the game lose its rhythm. I will never let my players do such a thing."

ILLUSTRATION: MINH TU

Coach Polking raised his voice several times to express his frustration: "We shouldn't do that. What will we gain from situations like that? I love Vietnam. I came to Vietnam with the desire to improve the quality of the matches. The players must be able to play real football. I think we are gradually improving the quality, but matches like this are a real shame. They won, I congratulate them, but that's not the way we play football. Tight defense, fiery play, fine, but don't waste time like that. Where will we go with such actions? Where will Vietnamese football go? I'm sorry but I have to say it straight. HAGL has 3 important points to give to their wonderful fans, I congratulate them but that's not the right way to play football."

Mr. Polking was not the only CAHN club member to publicly express his displeasure after the defeat. On his personal page, goalkeeper Nguyen Filip also posted a strange status: "Congratulations on HAGL's victory in the first 25 minutes, the time when they actually played football."

Meanwhile, HAGL coach Le Quang Trai affirmed: "That is Mr. Polking's personal feeling. I understand my players. We did not intentionally pause the match. For example, Jairo is having health problems, his physical condition is not good so he was forced to lie on the field."

In addition, Mr. Trai assessed that this was a difficult match and HAGL had luck on their side to be able to win all 3 points.