Round 3 of the First Division: Công Phượng's Team Continues to Soar

Even without Công Phượng from the start of the season, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai continues to demonstrate strong form.

Two out of three early matches in Round 3 of the 2025/26 National First Division on the afternoon of October 2 ended with decisive wins for the home teams. Both Trường Tươi Đồng Nai and Khatoco Khánh Hòa maintained their unbeaten streaks, each securing a commanding 4-1 victory over their visiting opponents.

After a less-than-ideal draw in the opening round, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai quickly regained their winning momentum, showing their ambition as a top contender for the championship. Their hard-fought win against Đại Học Văn Hiến in Round 2 served as a warm-up, followed by a dominant 4-1 victory over Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ in Round 3. Although Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ is not among the leading contenders, they remain a notable wildcard in the race for the top spots on the leaderboard.

Close on the heels of Trường Tươi Đồng Nai is Khatoco Khánh Hòa. The coastal team from Nha Trang regained their winning touch by defeating Đại Học Văn Hiến 4-1. With 6 points secured, Khatoco Khánh Hòa currently holds second place on the standings, trailing behind Trường Tươi Đồng Nai. Once known as the "rebels" during their V.League 1 days, this team might bring some exciting surprises this season.

Coach Việt Thắng’s squad has claimed victory and now awaits responses from other contenders like Bắc Ninh, Quảng Ninh, and Quy Nhơn United, who will play their Round 3 matches today, October 3. Following Trường Tươi Đồng Nai’s win, these three clubs face pressure to win if they want to avoid falling behind in the race, especially Quy Nhơn United, which has only one point so far.

TP.HCM Club remains unbeaten after a 1-1 draw in Cao Lãnh against the home team Đồng Tháp. The Round 3 matches of the 2025/26 National First Division will take place this afternoon (October 3):