Details of the Developments and Results of Round 3 of the Sigma Champions League 2024

Continuing the SCL-2024 race, round 3 took place with highly anticipated matches. The opening matches of Round 3 featured E2 vs. M3 on Field 1 and E3 vs. S on Field 2. On Field 1, both E2 and M3 were close to the top of the table, and the gap between the two clubs was only 1 point, making this a pivotal match for both. Entering the match with more excitement, E2 showed their experience by creating many dangerous opportunities toward M3’s youthful goal. However, the young M3 players showed great composure, calmly neutralizing all dangerous attacks. Not only did they frustrate E2’s strikers, but M3 also launched sharp counterattacks, one of which materialized into the opening goal against E2. Raising their formation with the desire to find an equalizer, E2 missed too many opportunities and had to concede another goal, ending the first half with a two-goal deficit in favor of M3. In the second half, the same scenario continued. After squandering numerous chances to reduce the gap, E2 players conceded a third goal following a lightning-fast counterattack. At this point, E2’s morale dropped, and they could only manage a consolation goal in the final minutes of the second half. They had to accept a convincing defeat to M3, allowing their opponents to overtake them in the SCL 2024 race.

A well-deserved victory for the orange boys M3 against E2

Continuing the SCL-2024 race, round 3 took place with highly anticipated matches. The opening matches of Round 3 featured E2 vs. M3 on Field 1 and E3 vs. S on Field 2. On Field 1, both E2 and M3 were close to the top of the table, and the gap between the two clubs was only 1 point, making this a pivotal match for both. Entering the match with more excitement, E2 showed their experience by creating many dangerous opportunities toward M3’s youthful goal. However, the young M3 players showed great composure, calmly neutralizing all dangerous attacks. Not only did they frustrate E2’s strikers, but M3 also launched sharp counterattacks, one of which materialized into the opening goal against E2. Raising their formation with the desire to find an equalizer, E2 missed too many opportunities and had to concede another goal, ending the first half with a two-goal deficit in favor of M3. In the second half, the same scenario continued. After squandering numerous chances to reduce the gap, E2 players conceded a third goal following a lightning-fast counterattack. At this point, E2’s morale dropped, and they could only manage a consolation goal in the final minutes of the second half. They had to accept a convincing defeat to M3, allowing their opponents to overtake them in the SCL-2024 race.

In the next series of matches, there are 2 pairs of E1 - M1 on field number 1 and M2 - M&S on field number 2. On field number 1, the confrontation between the two teams E1 - M1 is considered the arch-rival of Sigma football for many years, always attractive and consuming a lot of ink. A lot of information on the sidelines before this match from the club projects that are considered to be better at the present time is E1. And the E1 players chose an attacking style of play with the desire to overwhelm the opponent right from the first minutes of the match. After a few attacks that were not really dangerous, the E1 players suddenly scored the opening goal after a cross to the 2nd post, the ball hit the M1 defender's foot and flew into the net. With an early opening goal and a maintained attacking game, it was not difficult for the E1 players to take the initiative in the match and score another goal to double the gap in the following minutes. At this point, conceding two goals had touched the pride of the defending champion M1, and they really rose up at the end of the match. The last 10 minutes of the first half saw the E1 players playing with a deep defensive formation, struggling to develop the ball and facing continuous attacks from the M1 players. The referee's whistle to end the first half was also a moment of relief for the E1 players when they maintained their lead. Entering the second half, while the formation had not yet stabilized, right from the first minutes, E1 had to accept a surprising loss after a classy tight-angle shot that hit the roof of the net by player Manh Duong of M1. It was thought that this would be the key goal to change the situation of this match, but just two minutes later, with a very clever free kick by player Hai Nam of E1, the goal to increase the gap came to the E1 club. At this point, the high morale combined with the decline in force and physical strength on the opponent's side, the one-sided game was imposed by the E1 players on the opponent's field and it was not difficult for them to score 3 more goals after a hat-trick by striker Van Dat. The match ended with a 6-1 victory for the E1 players, a completely unexpected result that not many people thought of. With this result, E1 continued to share a position in the top group with Safety Club. As for M1 Club, the remaining journey is still very long for the defending champion M1 to be able to return to being themselves if they do not want to become the former king at SCL-2024.

E1 won a surprising victory over defending champion M1

On Field 2, Safety hosted E3, who were struggling with poor performances at this stage of the season. Safety was predicted to secure 3 points easily. However, S encountered a tight defense from E3. The attacking formation pushed forward and forced E3 back to their defensive zone, but Safety’s efforts in the first half only resulted in chances, as E3 employed a very effective deep defense strategy. The first half ended 0-0. In the second half, Safety switched tactics to more direct attacks, and their efforts paid off with the opening goal in the early minutes. At this point, E3 could no longer defend deeply and had to push their formation forward in search of an equalizer. This provided more space for Safety’s strikers, who capitalized on it by scoring a second goal to double the lead. No further goals were scored in the remaining minutes, and the 2-0 victory was maintained until the referee blew the final whistle. It was a hard-fought but well-deserved victory for the Safety players, allowing them to maintain a top position in the SCL-2024 standings.

In another match, the confrontation between M2 and M&S, two clubs at the bottom of the rankings, also attracted a lot of attention as both teams were determined to secure their first 3 points of the tournament. With the stakes high in this "6-pointer" match, both clubs played cautiously, and not many dangerous attacks occurred in the first half. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw. In the second half, M2’s substitution of strikers proved effective. After a well-arranged attack, M2 scored the opening goal through striker Van Quyet. At this point, M&S had to go on the offensive to find an equalizer. They moved the ball more quickly, launching more attacks and even sending long passes into M2’s penalty area. The pressure paid off when midfielder Dai Duong equalized for M&S, bringing the match level at 1-1. After this, both clubs slowed the pace, reluctant to push forward, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, bringing the first points to both M2 and M&S.

Below are the detailed results of round 3, rankings and schedule of round 4 of the SCL 2024 football tournament: