VAR denies goal, The Cong Viettel draws thrillingly with SLNA

Song Lam Nghe An draws 1-1 with The Cong Viettel, in a match where VAR denied the away team's equalizing goal in round 17 of V-League.

The match between Song Lam Nghe An and The Cong Viettel in round 17 of V-League unfolded excitingly at Vinh Stadium, as both teams had clear objectives. While Viettel needed a win to continue chasing the top spot, SLNA aimed to accumulate points to maintain a safe position on the standings.

The home team started proactively and soon scored the opening goal. In the 8th minute, capitalizing on a hesitant defensive mistake by Viettel, Van Huy quickly closed in, stole the ball right outside the penalty area, and unleashed a decisive shot, giving goalkeeper Van Viet no chance to save. The early goal allowed SLNA to deploy their familiar defensive-counterattacking strategy.

After conceding, Viettel pushed forward aggressively to seek an equalizer. However, against SLNA's disciplined defense, the away team's attacks lacked necessary sharpness. Notable moments like Nhat Nam's long-range shot or Carlos Fortes's run down the flank failed to make a difference. The first half ended with the advantage leaning toward the home team.

Entering the second half, Viettel clearly increased pressure with more approaches to the goal. Nham Manh Dung had a chance to shoot inside the box but missed the target, while Pedro Henrique also regrettably failed to capitalize on SLNA's defensive error. Despite controlling more possession, Viettel still struggled in decision-making.

The most notable highlight of the match came in the 70th minute when Lucao leaped high to head the ball into SLNA's net, seeming to bring the equalizing goal for Viettel. However, after consulting VAR technology, the referee determined that Colonna had pushed Nguyen Hoang earlier, thus not recognizing the goal. This decision cost the away team a precious opportunity.

Drama escalated in the final minutes, especially during the second half's extended 7-minute stoppage time. In the 90th minute, from Nguyen Hoang's clearance mistake, Colonna assisted Pedro Henrique to finish close-range, equalizing 1-1 for Viettel. Not stopping there, in minute 90+6, SLNA played with only 10 men as Quang Tu received a red card. Despite having a numerical advantage in the remaining few stoppage minutes, Viettel couldn't capitalize to score another goal. Ultimately, the two teams drew 1-1 in a match rich in drama, particularly in the decisive stoppage time.