Viettel — Ho Chi Minh City : Match Preview and Prediction for August 22,2025

Viettel’s Opening Performance

Let’s start with the home team. Viettel played to a 1-1 draw against Cong An Hanoi in the opening round of the V-League. Don’t just look at the score; consider the performance. Throughout the entire match, Viettel’s players managed only six shots on goal, with only two on target. In the second half, their attack completely vanished: two shots, zero on target. This speaks volumes about their offensive struggles.

Coach Popov’s Pragmatic Approach

During that encounter, coach Velizar Popov demonstrated that for him, the result outweighs everything else. He made a tactical substitution, withdrawing an attacking player and bringing on a defender to bolster the backline. The team reorganized, dropped deeper, and focused on preserving the scoreline. Such pragmatism at the start of the season is a clear signal that high-scoring thrillers are unlikely from this team.

Defensive Reinforcements for Viettel

Furthermore, ahead of their match against Ho Chi Minh City, Viettel receives significant defensive boosts. Primary goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet has completed his suspension and returns to action. His comeback is a solid advantage for the reliability of their last line of defense. News reports explicitly state that his return is expected to bring confidence to the goal. Midfielder Paulinho Curua also returns to the squad, which will strengthen the midfield and add density to their defensive formations.

Ho Chi Minh’s Surprise Victory

Now, let’s turn to the visitors. Yes, Ho Chi Minh City started with an unexpected 2-1 victory over Hanoi. However, this win should not mislead you. This result was quite a surprise. Coach Le Huynh Duc was forced to use a 5-3-2 formation, which is not his primary system, adapting to the available squad.

Defensive Focus and Statistics

This was a defensive game for them. Statistics confirm this: Ho Chi Minh City possessed the ball for only 45% of the time and registered fewer shots than their opponent. Their goalkeeper, Patrik Le Giang, made eight saves, indicating significant pressure on his goal. The team spent more time defending than attacking. In terms of offense, apart from forward Nguyen Tien Linh, there’s not much to highlight. Other players, according to Vietnamese press assessments, are considered average.

Anticipated Away Game Strategy

Their away game strategy against a stronger Viettel side is unlikely to change. They will once again play defensively, relying on their backline and rare counter-attacks. And don’t forget the general trend: in 12 out of Ho Chi Minh City’s previous 17 matches, no more than two goals were scored. Their sensational victory in the first round is an exception that merely proves the rule.