Binh Duong coach Francisco Vital is both relieved and ecstatic with his team’s 3-1 away win over Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) on Tuesday.

Speaking to Thanh Nien Wednesday after returning from Bangkok, Vital said, “It was the most significant win this season. My players, the whole club and I, including our fans, are very happy.

“It was great to beat a leading club of the Southeast Asian region right at their place. The win was very meaningful; and more importantly, Binh Duong now tops Group H and have a good chance to advance to the next round.

“The fight is still going on but Binh Duong has an advantage because we have two home matches against PEA and Home United of Singapore.”

Vital said this was the greatest time for him since he took over the club in October 2008. Less than a month ago, Vital had admitted he was tense when the champions suffered loss after loss in the domestic V-League matches.

He said it is fortunate that his players have got back their form.

Asked what he thinks about the next away match against V-League leader Da Nang at Chi Lang Stadium, Vital said, “Binh Duong is on track with consecutive wins. I am pleased all the players are trying their best when they are on the field.

“Surely we will continue to try to catch up with the V-League leading group and the match against Da Nang is very important for us.

“I can say Binh Duong will come to Da Nang full of confidence. Da Nang players are in good form with consecutive victories; but Binh Duong will try to stop them and I have good players to do that; otherwise, Da Nang will go straight to the finish.”

Talking about V-League this year, Vital said it was an exciting race with strong clubs as title contenders. He said Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Dong Tam Long An are strong teams but they are not in their best form now. They will prove their rank as the league draws to an end, he felt.

Reported by Quang Huy