Xuan Son shines as Nam Dinh secures a big win on Thai soil

(Football results) - Nam Dinh continued their strong performance at the Southeast Asian Club Championship by thrashing Bangkok United 4-1 on their opponent’s home ground, highlighted by Xuan Son’s two outstanding goals.

Nam Dinh continued their impressive run by beating hosts Bangkok United 4-1 in the Southeast Asian Club Championship group stage match held on the evening of December 18 at Thammasat Stadium.

Both teams started cautiously, with a balanced game for the first 20 minutes. However, Nam Dinh gradually showed more cohesion and sharpness. In the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Bangkok United, defender Lucas quickly finished to open the scoring for the Vietnamese side.

Right after halftime, Nam Dinh kept up the strong pressure. In the 49th minute, following a swift run down the left by Percy Tau, Xuan Son delivered an accurate finish to make it 2-0. Not stopping there, in the 58th minute, Ngoc Son struck a beautiful one-touch shot, extending the lead to 3-0 after the ball rebounded from Percy Tau’s attempt.

Despite their attacking efforts, the home team only managed a consolation goal in the 84th minute with a close-range header from a corner kick. But in stoppage time (90+6’), Xuan Son capped off his brilliant day with a skillful solo run and a decisive shot, sealing a 4-1 victory for Nam Dinh.

This result solidifies Nam Dinh’s position among the group leaders and keeps their hopes alive for advancing. Meanwhile, Bangkok United must wait until the final round to have a chance to progress from the group stage.

Full time: Bangkok Utd 1-4 Nam Dinh

90+6 Xuan Son’s brace completed

In the final moments of added time, Xuan Son skillfully dribbled inside the box and unleashed a precise shot to finalize the 4-1 scoreline for Nam Dinh.

84' Home side scores consolation goal

From a corner kick, Bangkok Utd players executed two consecutive headers to earn a consolation goal for the Thai representatives.

74' Home team pushing hard

In recent minutes, Bangkok Utd tried hard to find a goal but failed to break through.

58' Third goal for Nam Dinh

During a central attack, Percy Tau took a shot that was parried by the Bangkok Utd goalkeeper, the ball then reached Ngoc Son who fired a one-touch shot to make it 3-0 for Nam Dinh.

49' Xuan Son strikes again

Early in the second half, from a left-wing attack, Percy Tau provided an assist for Xuan Son to score and increase the lead to 2-0 for Nam Dinh.

46' Second half begins

Half-time: Bangkok Utd 0-1 Nam Dinh

43' GOAL!!!!!!!!

In the final minutes of the first half, from a throw-in on the right flank, the ball bounced inside the home team’s box and reached Lucas, who fired a shot to open the scoring.

39' No goals yet

Although dominating possession, Nam Dinh’s final touches have not been effective enough.

30' Controlling the game

The ball has mostly been in Bangkok Utd’s half recently. Xuan Son had some chances but still no breakthrough.

18' Nam Dinh gaining advantage

After cautious opening minutes, Nam Dinh pushed forward but still lacked clear scoring opportunities.

8' Balanced play

In the early minutes, both teams played safely, with the ball mostly in midfield and no notable chances.

Nam Dinh starting lineup

Bangkok Utd starting lineup

Live coverage of Bangkok Utd vs Nam Dinh what time and where to watch?

• Match time: 7:00 PM on December 18.
• Venue:Thammasat Stadium.
• Tournament: Southeast Asian Club Championship group stage.
• Broadcast channel: FP T Play.

Expected lineups Bangkok Utd vs Nam Dinh

• Bangkok United:Khammai, Selanon, Manuel Bihr, Everton, Notechaiya, Thitiphan Puangchan, Zakaria Jradi, Anan, Mahmoud Eid, Luka Adzic, Al Ghassani
• Nam Dinh:Caique, Van Toi, Lucao, Waiber, Kevin Pham Ba, Percy Tau, Romulo, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Caio Cesar, Hansen, Xuan Son.

Preview of Bangkok Utd vs Nam Dinh

After a disappointing period, Nam Dinh entered their clash with Bangkok United in Group B of the ASEAN Cup 2025/26 determined to restore their image as V.League champions. Despite a recent 9-0 demolition of Eastern AA, coach Jeromino’s squad was eliminated from the AFC Champions League Two group stage due to a goal difference loss against Ratchaburi (Thailand), a regrettable outcome.

Leaving the continental stage behind, Nam Dinh focused all efforts on the regional tournament. In the V.League, the team from Nam is struggling, sitting 10th, just 2 points above the relegation zone. Therefore, the ASEAN Cup has become a lifeline for this disappointing season. A win over Bangkok United would not only strengthen Nam Dinh’s standing in the group but also boost the team’s morale.

In fact, Nam Dinh’s form in the ASEAN Cup so far has been quite stable. They have beaten PKR Svay Rieng and Shan United, currently sitting second in the group behind Johor Darul Ta’zim but with one game less. However, those wins came against lower-ranked opponents, so the match against Bangkok United is the true test for the Vietnamese champions.

Meanwhile, Bangkok United has shown a less convincing performance. The Thai club started with a heavy 0-4 loss to Johor Darul Ta’zim, followed by a 2-2 draw with Lion City Sailors. Defensive weaknesses and declining form make it difficult for Bangkok United to cause an upset at Thien Truong, where Nam Dinh always plays enthusiastically in front of their home fans.

Form and head-to-head record of Bangkok United vs Nam Dinh

• Bangkok United: The Thai representatives are on a downward trend, having failed to win in their last 3 matches across all competitions. They are falling behind Buriram United and Ratchaburi in the Thai League title race.
• Nam Dinh: The V.League champions are not faring much better, with an 8-match winless streak domestically. Nonetheless, in the ASEAN Cup 2025/26, Nam Dinh has secured two consecutive wins to regain confidence.
• Head-to-head record: The two teams met twice in 2024. Nam Dinh drew 0-0 at home (October 2, 2024) and lost 2-3 away in Thailand (December 4, 2024). Bangkok United currently holds the edge in their encounters.