The most read Vietnamese newspaper
Edition: International | Vietnamese
© Copyright 1997 VnExpress.net. All rights reserved.
Although they were considered the underdogs as a much weaker team than their opponents, Viettel managed to hold their own against the defending ACL champions on Leo Stadium in Thailand.
Ulsan got the ball into Viettel’s net in the sixth minute from a corner, but the goal was ruled offside. Two minutes later, another dangerous shot narrowly missed the target. Ulsan kept creating openings, but they were thwarted by Viettel’s solid defense in the first half, despite dominating possession.
In the second half, Viettel upped their game a bit, launching counter-attacks whenever they had a chance. The Vietnamese club only had 30 percent of possession, but still got four shots at the goal, compared to Ulsan’s five.
As the game proceeded to what seemed an inevitable draw, Ulsan got a goal against the run of play in the 92nd minute. While trying to clear a corner shot, Nguyen Thanh Binh scored an own goal and Viettel had to settle for a 0-1 defeat.
Viettel, the V. League 2020 champions, are in group F of the ACL with Ulsan Hyundai, Thai champions BG Pathum United and Kaya Iloilo of the Philippines. They play their next match Tuesday against Kaya Iloilo.
