HCMC Police Football Club completes its 'fairy tale story'

Football always fascinates with unexpected twists, and the 2025/26 National Cup final held at Ninh Binh Arena on the night of June 14 serves as the clearest example.

Before kickoff, almost all predictions favored Ninh Binh. The ancient capital team not only had home advantage but also boasted superior head-to-head results against HCMC Police in this season's V-League, with a 4-3 away win and a 1-1 home draw. Moreover, the squad under coach Chu Dinh Nghiem had maintained an impressive unbeaten run since the experienced tactician took charge.

All these factors made Ninh Binh fans believe the cup would stay in Hoa Lu. However, football is not a sport of statistics. On an inspiring night, HCMC Police created the biggest shock of the season to reach the pinnacle of glory.

The opening minutes unfolded as expected. Ninh Binh started with great momentum, pushing high up the pitch, pressing aggressively, and constantly putting pressure on Patrik Le Giang's goal. Hoang Duc and his teammates created chances that repeatedly brought home fans to their feet. But while Ninh Binh was still failing to capitalize on their advantage, the visitors struck first.

In the 17th minute, from a well-rehearsed corner kick, Raphael Utzig leaped high to head the ball past Van Lam. It was a move that reflected the meticulous preparation of HCMC Police's coaching staff. The goal not only gave them a lead but also relieved the psychological pressure caused by the overwhelming atmosphere at Ninh Binh Arena.

If the opening goal was tactical, the second in the 34th minute showcased the class of individuals in peak form. Utzig again became the focal point with a razor-sharp through ball from midfield, allowing Lee Williams to beat the offside trap. The Vietnamese-origin striker calmly rounded Van Lam before slotting into an empty net—a textbook counterattack, swift and lethal.

The first half ended with a 2-0 lead for HCMC Police, leaving most spectators stunned. The underdogs not only led but also showed astonishing efficiency in every attacking move. That performance recalled their 4-2 semi-final win over Nam Dinh, where coach Phung Thanh Phuong's men also displayed near-perfect chance conversion.

Notably, this was no longer the inconsistent HCMC Police of the early season. Since early May, when coach Phung Thanh Phuong took over from Le Huynh Duc, the team had undergone a remarkable transformation. They were unbeaten in all competitions before the final, showing growing cohesion, discipline, and composure in crucial moments with each match.

In the second half, Ninh Binh threw everything forward. Hoang Duc, Friday, Quoc Viet, and Geovane created numerous dangerous chances. However, Patrik Le Giang continued to prove why he is one of Vietnam's best goalkeepers. His saves became the bedrock that helped the visitors hold firm.

A penalty converted by Nguyen Tai Loc in the 74th minute narrowed the deficit and rekindled hope for the home side. But that was all Ninh Binh could muster. In the remaining time, HCMC Police defended with great concentration, neutralizing most of the opponent's attacks to secure a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle marked a historic moment for HCMC Police. From a club that had gone through many upheavals, Phung Thanh Phuong's men completed an extraordinary journey to become the 2025/26 National Cup champions. This is arguably the most surprising achievement of this year's Vietnamese football season.

With this well-earned title, HCMC Police not only lifted the prestigious cup but also secured the last Vietnamese representative spot for the next season's ASEAN Club Championship. A fully deserved reward for their persistence, resilience, and spectacular transformation under coach Phung Thanh Phuong.