V-League 2025 - 2026: Newcomer Ninh Bình Continues to Lead the Standings

Round 5 of the V-League 2025-2026 brought some unexpected developments.

At Lạch Tray Stadium, Ninh Bình was held to a 2-2 draw by Hải Phòng, losing the chance to extend their lead over chasing teams.

Ninh Bình has been the standout team this season with four consecutive wins by at least two goals, leading in goals scored and boasting a solid defense, yet they faced challenges against Hải Phòng at Lạch Tray. Ninh Bình took the lead early through a penalty by Hoàng Đức in the 16th minute. Hải Phòng rallied strongly late in the first half, with Bicou equalizing at 1-1.

The second half turned into a thrilling chase. Geovane Magno put Ninh Bình ahead 2-1 in the 50th minute. It seemed the visitors might extend their winning streak, but Hữu Nam leveled the score at 2-2 for Hải Phòng, forcing Ninh Bình to settle for a draw.

Meanwhile, Công an Hà Nội secured a convincing 2-0 victory at Thiên Trường against defending champions Nam Định, maintaining their steady form.

In another match, Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh staged an impressive comeback against Sông Lam Nghệ An on Vinh’s home ground. This notable win brought coach Lê Huỳnh Đức’s team to 13 points, sharing the top spot. However, Tiến Linh and his teammates have played one more match than the other leading teams.

The V-League 2025 - 2026 standings are beginning to separate the top teams. The trio of Ninh Bình, Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh, and Công an Hà Nội hold the upper hand in the title race, while Thể Công Viettel closely follows with 11 points.

Defending champions Nam Định continue to disappoint after losing at home in Thiên Trường this round. This defeat dropped coach Vũ Hồng Việt’s squad to seventh place with only 7 points.

Hà Nội FC finally achieved their first win of the V-League season by beating Đông Á Thanh Hóa 2-1, temporarily moving up to eighth place.

At the bottom, Sông Lam Nghệ An is in crisis after coach Phan Như Thuật resigned following a poor run of results. The V-League 2025 - 2026 remains a tough season for coaches. Within just three rounds, Hà Nội FC dismissed Makoto Teguramori, and now Phan Như Thuật is the second coach to lose his position.

Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai, and Thanh Hóa are still winless this season, increasing pressure on these teams.

After five rounds, the V-League 2025 – 2026 promises many surprises. The title race and relegation battle are fierce from the start. In round 5, a 0-0 draw with PVF-CAND helped the Mountain Town team temporarily escape the bottom spot, sharing 2 points with Thanh Hóa but leading on goal difference (-4 compared to -6).

In round 6, league leaders Ninh Bình will face Thể Công Viettel in a highly anticipated clash between two top contenders and title hopefuls this season.

V-League 2025 - 2026 Round 6 Schedule

October 1st

18:00: SHB Đà Nẵng vs Hà Nội FC

October 2nd

18:00: Đông Á Thanh Hóa vs Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh

18:00: Ninh Bình vs Thể Công Viettel

October 3rd

17:00: Hoàng Anh Gia Lai vs Sông Lam Nghệ An

18:00: Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh vs PVF CAND