Thể Công Viettel - Ho Chi Minh City Police: Demonstrating Strength

In round 1 of the V-League 2025 - 2026, Thể Công Viettel drew 1-1 in the capital derby against Hanoi Police Club. It was a match where the soldiers' team scored first but had to struggle hard to finish with a single point.

The away draw against a highly rated opponent was an acceptable result for the soldiers' team before preparing to host Ho Chi Minh City Police in the second round.

With only 1 point and temporarily ranked 8th on the table, Thể Công Viettel is eager to claim all 3 points at home this round. With a stronger squad and home advantage at Hàng Đẫy, coach Popov's team aims for a full victory.

Meanwhile, despite limited preparation time after the club’s transition and renaming from Ho Chi Minh City FC to Ho Chi Minh City Police, coach Lê Huỳnh Đức led his team to a 2-1 victory over reigning runners-up Hanoi FC at Thống Nhất Stadium in their opening match.

This win was even more meaningful for Ho Chi Minh City Police as it marked the return of a once-iconic football symbol to the fans. Their performance showed they are not just a dark horse but ready to compete for the championship if given the chance.

The victory boosted coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s squad morale as they travel to the capital to face hosts Thể Công Viettel. With quick integration from newcomers like Tiến Linh, Lê Quang Hùng, and strong form from key players such as Endrick, Võ Huy Toàn, and Patrick Lê Giang, Ho Chi Minh City Police promise to challenge Thể Công Viettel significantly.

Ho Chi Minh City Police also announced a new signing for the season: Raphael Utzig, a 29-year-old dual Brazilian-German national valued at nearly 1 million USD, ranking fourth among the most expensive players in the V-League 2025 - 2026. The 1.77m tall player joined coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s team on loan from Zira ZK (Azerbaijan). Utzig’s presence is expected to strengthen the attack alongside Tiến Linh for the Thống Nhất home side.

However, earning points at Hàng Đẫy will be a tough challenge for coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s team on this away trip. When still named Ho Chi Minh City FC, the club struggled to collect points in Hanoi. Last season’s V-League stats show they only gained 1 point from 3 matches in the capital, with a draw against Hanoi Police and losses to Hanoi FC and Thể Công Viettel.

The Ho Chi Minh City team will need to put in great effort to break their winless streak in Hanoi dating back to 2017.

But if Ho Chi Minh City Police can maintain the fighting spirit shown in their opening match, combined with coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s tactics, they are expected to cause surprises this season.

This season, Thể Công Viettel is regarded as having a deep and balanced squad across all three lines. Notably, the soldiers' team acquired the top scorer Lucao. In the 1-1 draw against Hanoi Police, it was this striker who scored for Thể Công Viettel.

In last week’s match, Thể Công Viettel missed their new goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Việt, who was suspended due to a red card received at the end of last season while playing for SLNA. After sitting out round 1, Văn Việt is now ready to return for round 2. Coach Popov will have an additional option in goal alongside the experienced V-League keeper Phạm Văn Phong.

Thể Công Viettel also welcomes back Paulinho Curua in round 2, who missed the first round due to fitness issues.

The first match of the new season always carries many uncertainties, and the results after one round cannot fully reflect each team's true strength. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City Police need a positive result against a strong opponent like Thể Công Viettel to prove their status as a championship contender in the V-League.

The match between Thể Công Viettel and Ho Chi Minh City Police will take place at 19:15 on August 22 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium.

Expected starting lineups for both teams
Thể Công Viettel: Văn Phong, Tiến Dũng, Colonna, Văn Khang, Lucao, Văn Toàn, Pedro Henrique, Tiến Anh, Wesley Nata, Viết Tú, Xuân Tiến.
Ho Chi Minh City Police: Lê Giang, Endrick, Gia Bảo, Quang Hùng, Matheus Felipe, Mbo, Phú Đức, Quốc Cường, Hoàng Phúc, Huy Toàn, Tiến Linh.

V-League 2025 - 2026 Round 2 Schedule

August 22

19:15: Thể Công Viettel vs Ho Chi Minh City Police.

August 23

18:00: SHB Đà Nẵng vs Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh.

18:00: Sông Lam Nghệ An vs Nam Định.

18:00: Phù Đổng Ninh Bình vs Thanh Hóa

18:00: Hải Phòng vs PVF CAND.

August 24

18:00: Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh vs Hanoi Police.

19:15: Hanoi FC vs Hoàng Anh Gia Lai.