This is the first match of Dong Nai City Club in the highest football arena in Vietnam after winning promotion. The Southeast team started quite proactively and maintained a relatively balanced game with The Cong Viettel in the first half.
In the 6th minute, Dong Nai had a notable opportunity when Viet Hung launched a shot, but goalkeeper Van Phong saved it in time. The home team also organized a number of attacks on both wings, but did not create enough dangerous situations to convert into goals.
The Cong Viettel suffered an early loss when Lucas Alves had to leave the field in the 10th minute due to injury. However, the away team still maintained ball control and created certain pressure on the defense of Dong Nai City Club.
In the remaining time of the first half, the two teams played tug-of-war. Dong Nai had noteworthy attacking situations, while The Cong Viettel took good advantage of the speed of the players in the attack. Goalkeeper Van Phong had some important actions, among which the noteworthy was the save after Wesley's shot in the 37th minute.
The first half ended with a score of 0-0.
After the break, The Cong Viettel increased pressure and created a turning point in the 62nd minute. Danh Trung, who had just entered the field, had an accurate cross for Ribamar to jump high and head, putting the away team ahead.
Dong Nai City Club tried to find an equalizer but encountered difficulties against the defensive organization of The Cong Viettel. In the 72nd minute, the home team promptly prevented a dangerous combination of the opponent in the penalty area.
The next turning point occurred in the 77th minute. Jovic stepped on Nham Manh Dung's ankle in a dispute situation. After consulting VAR and directly reviewing the images, the referee decided to issue a red card to the Dong Nai player.
Playing with one less player, the home team faced even more difficulties in creating pressure on The Cong Viettel's goal. In the 85th minute, Nham Manh Dung headed after Tuan Tai's cross but the ball found the crossbar.
In the 90+1 minute, The Cong Viettel doubled the gap. Danh Trung made a cross towards the far post, creating conditions for Kyle Colonna to head in a goal, increasing the score to 2-0.
The final minutes of the match continued to witness notable decisions from VAR. In the 90+10 minute, Nham Manh Dung received a red card after the referee reviewed the situation and determined that this player had a foul play.
Dong Nai City Club was then awarded a penalty in the 90+15 minute after a home player fell in the penalty area. However, the referee continued to check the VAR and changed the decision, determining that there was no penalty.
The match ended with a 2-0 victory for The Cong Viettel. Dong Nai could not get points on their V.League debut day, despite maintaining a relatively balanced game for most of the first half.
