V-League teams overcome 'high mountains and narrow paths'

29/09/2025 14:22:00 SportScoop

The LPBank V-League 2025/26 has witnessed numerous contests among "those sharing hardships" as they strive to outdo their opponents and advance. Hanoi FC and SHB Da Nang have succeeded in this, whereas Becamex TP.HCM and Thanh Hoa have fallen further, and PVF-CAND and HAGL have restrained each other near the lower positions.

After persistent efforts, SHB Da Nang finally secured their first victory in the LPBank V-League 2025/26 by defeating Becamex TP.HCM during an away match at Go Dau Stadium. This result lifted SHB Da Nang to 8th place with 5 points, tied with Hanoi and PVF-CAND. Meanwhile, Becamex TP.HCM dropped to 12th place with 3 points.

SHB Da Nang scored two goals in this match, with Milan Makaric shining on his first start. Previously, in the first four rounds, SHB Da Nang relied on only one foreign striker, Henen David. Milan Makaric had only been used in the final minutes, so he had limited opportunities to make an impact.

This initial win clearly signals positive signs for SHB Da Nang. Coach Le Duc Tuan can continue using the new lineup with two foreign strikers starting to increase scoring and winning chances. However, strengthening the defense remains crucial, as when Milan Makaric plays, central defender Kim Dong Su must sit out since Emerson occupies the midfield. At that time, the all-domestic defense line of the Danang team showed many gaps, making it vulnerable to exploitation.

In midweek’s Round 6, SHB Da Nang returns home to Hoa Xuan Stadium to face Hanoi FC. This will be a tough challenge for the Danang team as the capital club has regained its best playing form. In Round 5, Hanoi FC also earned their first win of the V-League season by beating Thanh Hoa to rise to 9th place in the standings. Despite facing pressure, Hanoi FC secured the full 3 points thanks to home advantage, strong squad quality, experience, and resilience.

After replacing their head coach, Hanoi FC has shown many improvements. Photo: Hoang Linh

Following the coaching change, Hanoi FC demonstrated several positive developments. With only the V-League left to compete in, Hanoi FC must focus all their efforts to prove they will not give up early in the title race.

SLNA lost again despite leading by 2 goals when hosting Ho Chi Minh City Police. It’s clear that home support at Vinh Stadium wasn’t enough for SLNA to gain points against an in-form Ho Chi Minh City Police team.

This unbelievable defeat dropped SLNA to 11th place in the standings, with only 4 points after 5 rounds. Without improving their performance soon, SLNA risks being dragged into a fierce relegation battle this season. This loss exposed major issues for SLNA: lack of sharp finishing, fragile defense, and immature play were weaknesses the Nghe An team revealed.

Next round, SLNA will travel to Pleiku to face HAGL. If they fail to earn points again, Coach Phan Nhu Thuat’s squad will surely be caught in the relegation fight spiral as in recent seasons.

The results from Round 5 for the lower-ranked teams have somewhat created a turning point, because after Round 6 finishes, the LPBank V-League 2025/26 will pause for over two weeks to make way for the Vietnam national team.

Up to now, this V-League season has opened battles among both the top and bottom groups. Some teams have risen while others have fallen behind. However, the gap between teams is small; just one victory is enough to change the situation.

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