Tien Linh scored to help HCM City Police Club win the opening match, Nam Dinh team almost lost.

On the afternoon of August 16, Thong Nhat Stadium excitedly welcomed Ho Chi Minh City Police Club to mark their return with a 2-1 victory over Hanoi Club, in round 1 of V-League 2025 - 2026. Tien Linh played very well.

In perfect weather and field conditions, Thong Nhat Stadium happily welcomed distinguished guests: Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee; Lieutenant General Mai Hoang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department; leaders of VFF, VPF, sponsors... witnessed the Ho Chi Minh City Police Club (HCMC Police) officially return in the opening match of V-League 2025 - 2026 with Hanoi Club.

Tien Linh scored the first goal to help CA TP.HCM Club defeat Hanoi Club in round 1 of V-League 2025-2026

Photo: Nguyen Khang

Many days before, preparations for the return of the HCM City Police Club had been carefully prepared. The changing room, the system of functional rooms, and the VIP area of ​​Thong Nhat Stadium had been neatly and spaciously renovated. At exactly 6:30 p.m., the opening ceremony took place extremely impressively with artists such as Vo Ha Tram, MTV band, Phan Manh Quynh... heating up the atmosphere with vibrant songs. The red shirt and the traditional flag of the HCM City Police Club fluttered, standing out in the modern LED light show, with special sound and lighting effects and a large number of coordinated artists. More than 10,000 spectators packed into the stands enjoyed the most impressive festival atmosphere at Thong Nhat Stadium in the history of V-League, reminding people of the opening program of major international football events.

Exciting match

Tien Linh's team played well.

Entering the match, Ho Chi Minh City fans did not have to wait long. In the 3rd minute, captain Tien Linh scored with a perfect header, after a cross from the right wing by Quang Hung. An impressive start considering that coach Le Huynh Duc and the club's leadership had to rush to rebuild almost the entire squad this past summer. In the 3-5-2 formation, goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang and players Gia Bao, Hoang Phuc, Huy Toan... coordinated quite well with new teammates such as Tien Linh, Duc Phu, Matheus Felipe... Calmly defending against the attacks of Hanoi Club, Ho Chi Minh City CA Club once again made Thong Nhat Stadium explode with a sharp counter-attack in the 27th minute. Huy Toan exchanged passes with new player Mbo Noel before confidently charging straight into the penalty area to shoot diagonally to double the gap for Ho Chi Minh City CA Club.

After conceding the goal, Hanoi FC rose up strongly and created tremendous pressure on the home team's third, with a series of dangerous passing and attacking combinations. It must be admitted that with a short time to assemble, the players of CA TP.HCM FC were still a bit hesitant in passing the ball. The goal conceded in the 84th minute (Van Tung scored for Hanoi FC) came from such inconsistent defensive coordination. But playing football requires a process.

The way the players did not hesitate to remind and encourage each other on the field, trying to run a little more for their teammates received the applause of a large audience. Fans have been seeing the collective efforts of the board of directors, the coaching staff and the players to revive the brand of CA TP.HCM Club. The final victory of 2-1 was thrilling but worthwhile, because for many years, Hanoi Club has always been undefeated, mostly winning, at Thong Nhat Stadium. There is still a long way to go, but I believe that the fans will support the team, helping Thong Nhat Stadium continue to be exciting with more victories in domestic and international arenas.

In the same match, defending champion Nam Dinh made a dramatic comeback to win 2-1 against Hai Phong FC at Thien Truong Stadium thanks to 2 goals from Ly Cong Hoang Anh (67th minute) and Vietnamese-American player Kevin Pham Ba (88th minute). Today, round 1 will end with 3 matches: HAGL - Becamex TP.HCM (5pm), Ha Tinh FC - Ninh Binh FC and Thanh Hoa FC - Da Nang FC (6pm).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tien-linh-lap-cong-giup-clb-ca-tphcm-mo-man-thang-loi-doi-nam-dinh-suyt-thua-18525081622594928.htm