(Football Preview) - The Steel Blue Nam Định is set to welcome CAHN to Thiên Trường Stadium as part of the 5th round of the 2025/26 V-League.
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Nam Định is experiencing contrasting fortunes across different competitions. The team from Thành Nam recently kicked off the 2025 Southeast Asian Club Cup with a 2-1 victory over Svay Rieng. Earlier, they also defeated Ratchaburi 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Two, demonstrating confidence and resilience on regional and continental stages.
However, back in the V.League, the reigning champions have not maintained that form. After five rounds, Nam Định has only secured 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses) and currently sits mid-table. Their recent 0-2 loss at Ninh Bình, a newly promoted team, was the breaking point, leaving Nam Định humbled. This result disappointed fans and dropped coach Vũ Hồng Việt’s squad to 7th place, 5 points behind Ninh Bình despite having played one more match.
Inconsistency in the domestic league is putting significant pressure on Nam Định, especially with the upcoming challenge against CAHN. The police-affiliated team, led by coach Mano Polking, started the season impressively: 3 wins and 1 draw in 4 rounds, holding second place with 10 points. Beyond the V.League, CAHN has shown toughness internationally, drawing 2-2 with Beijing Guoan in AFC Champions League Two and winning 2-1 against Cebu in the Southeast Asian Champions Cup.
With steady form and a deep squad, CAHN will surely travel to Thiên Trường confident and unafraid. Meanwhile, Nam Định must quickly regroup mentally if they want to avoid slipping further in their quest to defend the V.League title.