Commentator Quang Huy: 'Teams are starting to heat up'

Looking at the start of LP Bank V-League 2025/26, commentator Vu Quang Huy notes the matches have been fiercely contested, but not yet as captivating as anticipated.

Commentator Vu Quang Huy said: "This shows that this is just a warm-up phase as the V-League gets into full swing. The best moments may still lie ahead as teams gradually adapt. This means there will be unexpected stats and unpredictable factors yet to be seen. We need to wait for a few more rounds to better understand the true appearance and strength of each team. The last three rounds have been like warming up both the players’ legs and minds.

This season, defending champion Nam Dinh and former champion CAHN have made significant signings along with their existing core players. Alternately investing heavily, CAHN and Nam Dinh have been "naturally" considered title contenders by experts, and reality has proven those predictions right.

They are both very eager not only in the V-League but also to make a mark in continental and regional club competitions. This is a positive sign that CAHN and Nam Dinh bring to national football. Naturally, besides CAHN and Nam Dinh, there are other strong candidates and "dark horses" who may challenge the giants, adding variety and many colors to the V-League.

Newcomer Ninh Binh has had an impressive start but it’s still too early to say much. Ahead, Ninh Binh clearly enters a phase of real testing for their ambition to "do big business." Conversely, Nam Dinh, Hanoi FC, CAHN, and Viettel also cannot be complacent facing a young newcomer with a squad full of quality domestic and foreign players.

From the fresh but strong breeze of Ninh Binh FC to CAHN’s very stable form, the upcoming race will be extremely intense, fierce, and full of interesting elements.

For example, defending champion Nam Dinh, though struggling, has managed to stay among the leaders. And Viettel, despite parting ways with some key players, has found a new winning formula with the charismatic coach Popov and suitable foreign players."

Commentator Vu Quang Huy believes Hanoi FC can quickly overcome difficulties to return: "Hanoi FC’s issue is not only from their limited early-season performance but also from direct competitors.

Last season, Hanoi FC made a spectacular sprint in the second half to finish second, just behind Nam Dinh. With decent strength, Hanoi FC might repeat that plan. However, it must be said this season’s V-League is very different. Besides the new "challenger" Ninh Binh FC, the stability of CAHN, Viettel, and the abundant manpower of Nam Dinh show very high competition. In this crowded environment, Hanoi FC faces pressure to come back as soon as possible.

Looking at financial power, squad depth, and team value, the championship prediction includes Nam Dinh, CAHN, Hanoi FC, Viettel, and Ninh Binh FC. Although their starting phases differ, these clubs are recognized as the top forces this season.

The V-League 2025/26 rankings will be decided in the clashes among these candidates, no one else. Among them, the derbies between CAHN, Hanoi FC, and Viettel, the round 4 match between Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh, Nam Dinh vs CAHN in round 5, Ninh Binh against Viettel in round 6, and Hanoi FC facing Ninh Binh in round 7 will be very exciting and tense, truly worth watching.

From these matches, the real strength and "portrait" of the promising candidates on the race for the V-League 2025/26 title will be identified."