The second leg of the 2014 V-League started last weekend with six 14th-round matches; one of which witnessed Hung Vuong An Giang’s first victory of the season. Let us review the five main highlights in this round of play.

1. Hung Vuong An Giang earn first win

The An Giang team finally tasted victory on April 26 with a home-field 2-0 triumph over Dong Tam Long An. This meaningful win, their first of the 2014 season, is expected to boost An Giang’s competitive spirit in the remainder of the season and light up their hopes for a slot in next year’s V-League campaign.

2. Unexpected loss demotes Thanh Hoa to second

First-leg champions Thanh Hoa failed to consolidate their first-place position on April 26, losing 0-1 at the hands of V-League newbies Quang Ninh Coal. The unexpected loss dealt a heavy blow to the team’s title ambitions, as Becamex Binh Duong and Hanoi T&T are also beginning to enhance their bid for the overall crown.

3. Becamex Binh Duong regain top spot

Becamex Binh Duong reclaimed the V-League’s first-place position from Thanh Hoa following their 2-0 victory over Song Lam Nghe An on Sunday. Binh Duong held the top spot in the 12th round, but then lost it as they were deprived of the three points won in their previous victory against XM The Vissai Ninh Binh, who withdrew from the 2014 V-League after match-fixing allegations were made. The team delivered an impressive finish to their April campaign, earning four consecutive wins.

4. Song Lam Nghe An: Poorest performers in April

Although they possess a talented striker Le Cong Vinh, V-League giants Song Lam Nghe An experienced a disappointing April as they won just one point from a draw and three losses. The team slipped to ninth position in the provisional standings with 13 points, half the number won so far by leaders Becamex Binh Duong.

5. SHB Da Nang enjoy dramatic win

SHB Da Nang rallied to the round’s most exciting win while playing guests to Hoang Anh Gia Lai on April 26. After taking a 1-0 lead after six minutes, Da Nang conceded three consecutive goals in six minutes, from the 16th to the 22nd. On the brink of defeat, the Da Nang players fought back strongly, scoring four unanswered goals to seal an emphatic 5-4 victory.

Nhan Dan/VNN