Tien Linh "surpasses" Xuan Son: Real peak or just statistical illusion?

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The play-off match to decide the last ticket to play in V.League 2025-2026 between Da Nang Club and Binh Phuoc on the evening of June 27 at Thong Nhat Stadium (HCMC) ended with mixed emotions.
One side burst into victory, the other collapsed after the fateful moment â when the greatest hope named Nguyen Cong Phuong could not complete the mission.
With its importance, the match is not only a battle for honor but also a "final" match with huge material value. The leadership of Binh Phuoc Club announced that they will reward 10 billion VND if the team wins promotion - a staggering number compared to the average level of First Division football. Carrying on their shoulders that expectation are experienced names, especially Cong Phuong - the brightest star in the Binh Phuoc squad.
Right from the first minutes, the match was as exciting as expected. Binh Phuoc â the runner-up of the First Division â showed their tenacity, discipline and organization and were not at all outdone by a team that used to play in the V.League like Da Nang. However, in that tight match, their bravery and ability to seize opportunities helped the Han River representative make a difference.
In the 68th minute, the turning point of the match occurred. From a long ball over the line by Phan Van Long, Pham Dinh Duy accelerated, cleverly escaped, passed veteran goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong and finished into the empty net. The referee had to consult VAR to determine that Dinh Duy was not offside before recognizing the opening goal for Da Nang.
Just a few minutes later, the drama was heightened when Binh Phuoc was awarded a penalty. The entire Thong Nhat Stadium almost held its breath when Cong Phuong stepped up to the 11 meter mark. The moment that seemed like the opportunity to equalize and rekindle hope, everything exploded... in the most painful way for the Southeast team.
Cong Phuong's shot - once dubbed the "Vietnamese Messi" - was not dangerous enough to beat goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. The Da Nang goalkeeper dived accurately, pushing the ball out amid cheers from the home fans. That save not only kept Da Nang's advantage but also dealt a heavy blow to Binh Phuoc's spirit.
While Binh Phuoc were still struggling to find their rhythm, they continued to receive a fatal blow. Ha Minh Tuan took advantage of the opponent's defensive mistake, raising the score to 2-0 in the 78th minute. Binh Phuoc's promotion hopes were officially shaken. Despite focusing on attacking in the remaining time, they were still helpless against the solidity of Da Nang's defense and especially the brilliant performance of Bui Tien Dung in goal.
Bui Tien Dung â a name that has experienced many ups and downs since the miracle of Thuong Chau 2018 â had a match of his life. Not only did he block Cong Phuongâs penalty, he also had at least 3 reasonable exits and saves the Han River team. If Da Nang continues to stay in V.League next season, they will definitely have to thank this goalkeeper.
In the end, Da Nang won 2-0 and secured their place in the V.League. Meanwhile, Binh Phuoc had to accept continuing to play in the First Division, despite their efforts to build a deep squad and a "huge" bonus of 10 billion VND.
Cong Phuong â who once had the hope of reviving his career and bringing a small team like Binh Phuoc onto the map of top football â now has to face the harsh reality. The fateful missed shot will haunt not only him personally but also the unfinished dreams of millions of fans of this land of aspirations.
Binh Phuocâs defeat is not just a technical matter. It is also a testament to the harshness of professional football â where fame, money or expectations are not enough to win without courage and coolness in decisive moments.
For Da Nang, the ticket to stay in the league is a worthy reward for their efforts to overcome difficulties throughout the season. But they also understand that the journey in the V.League next season will be much more fierce, and heroes like Bui Tien Dung need to maintain their form if they want to help the Han River team regain their former position.
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