HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Đình Bắc returned to the national spotlight with a hat-trick as Hà Nội Police moved closer to the V.League 1 title after a 4-2 win over Sông Lam Nghệ An on April 26.

Bắc struck in the 19th, 34th and 56th minutes, while Phạm Minh Phúc added a goal in the 37th minute at home. Olaha Michael Onyedikachi scored twice for the visitors, once in each half.

The treble marked Bắc’s first hat-trick in the competition and took his tally to seven goals this season, placing him among the league’s top scorers. He also became the first Vietnamese player to score a hat-trick in a V.League 1 match in the past five seasons, a feat previously achieved only by naturalised forwards such as Hoàng Vũ Samson and Nguyễn Xuân Son.

"Prior to this match, we were told that there would be seven final matches waiting for us in the V.League 1," said Bắc.

"We must be focused and play hard every single game. Our win and three points today resulted from our strong effort, and they were our gift to royal supporters.

"I am happy with my goals, a big thank you to teammates who assisted me and especially gave me the penalty opportunity to complete the hat-trick," he said. 

 

Head coach Mano Polking praised his team’s performance, particularly Bắc’s contribution.

“I am pleased with the players' work. They did their job very well, although there were still mistakes," said the Brazilian tactician.

“We conceded two goals while we totally controlled the game. It should not happen. However, it is not the time for blaming. We did our job and are going the right way."

Asked about Bắc, Polking said his performance spoke for itself and described him as a valuable talent who still needed time to develop further.

“Months ago, I told the media that Bắc can still be much better. I'm very happy to have him in the squad, but he needs to repeat performances like today many more times," he said.

The victory kept Hà Nội Police top of the table with 51 points, nine clear of Thể Công-Viettel, with six matches remaining.

"It's not over yet, but the team is getting very close to winning the championship. We will only be truly satisfied when we achieve our goal," Polking said.

The coach recently extended his contract with the club until 2028, with the agreement announced on April 24 in Hà Nội. He took charge of the team in 2024.

 

In two years, he has developed a distinctive playing style and fostered resilience and unity within the squad, while maintaining a strong competitive presence in domestic and international competitions. He guided the Police to the National Cup and the National Super Cup titles in the 2024–25 season.

Colonel Trần Văn Hùng, deputy chairman of the Police leadership, said extending Alexandre Polking’s contract was a key step in the club’s long-term, stable development strategy. It also reflected the leadership’s confidence in the team’s direction, the coaching staff’s management and their collective spirit.

The Police will next face sixth-placed Hải Phòng at Lạch Tray Stadium on May 2. — VNS