Round 11 of the 2025 - 2026 V-League: Fiery action at Thong Nhat Stadium

Usually, newly promoted teams to a highly competitive league like the V-League aim primarily to avoid relegation, but these two teams are currently in the top positions and are strong contenders for the championship this season.

The team from the ancient capital Hoa Lu won the First Division with a record 20 unbeaten matches (19 wins, 1 draw) and earned promotion to compete in the V-League. Ninh Binh continues to maintain excellent form with 10 unbeaten games (7 wins, 3 draws) in the V-League. With 24 points, coach Gerard Albadajejo’s squad leads the table, 4 points ahead of second-placed Hanoi Police.

Ninh Binh remains unbeaten since the start of the season, so whenever they face an opponent, experts and fans eagerly watch to see if anyone can end the ancient capital team’s unbeaten streak.

Meanwhile, although not matching Ninh Binh’s performance and results, newcomer Ho Chi Minh City Police have also played impressively since the start. After their win at Hoa Xuan against Da Nang in round 10, coach Le Huynh Duc’s team currently sits 5th with 14 points, tied with 4th-placed Hai Phong and just one point behind 3rd-placed The Cong Viettel.

Thong Nhat Stadium is considered a crucial stronghold for Tien Linh and his teammates as they welcome league leaders Ninh Binh. After 5 home games, Ho Chi Minh City Police have only lost once (to Hai Phong) and remain unbeaten in 4 matches (2 wins, 2 draws).

In recent matches, Tien Linh has been tightly marked by defenders, limiting his chances to approach the opponent’s goal. Additionally, foreign players Endick and Utizig are injured, and Lee Williams has yet to fully integrate with the team, which has weakened the Ho Chi Minh City Police’s attack. Fortunately, new talents Quoc Cuong and Van Binh have stepped up and scored. These young players are seen as key figures in coach Le Huynh Duc’s offensive strategies.

Fans hope that with the support of Thong Nhat Stadium, coach Le Huynh Duc’s squad will deliver a strong performance and cause a big upset against the league leaders Ninh Binh.

This game is also a showdown between two of Vietnam’s most talented footballers currently: Tien Linh and Hoang Duc, with one being the reigning Golden Ball winner and the other a strong contender aiming for his third Vietnamese Golden Ball title in history. Both carry not only their club’s responsibilities but also personal hopes, honors, and pride in the hottest individual award race in Vietnamese football.

A victory at Thong Nhat would not only bring Ninh Binh closer to the first half championship but also strengthen Hoang Duc’s position in this prestigious individual award race. Meanwhile, the 2024 Golden Ball holder Tien Linh is on a journey to reaffirm his status.

The match also draws attention because of the clash between two distinctive coaches: Le Huynh Duc and Albadalejo. It would be remarkable if the coach who defeated Duc is considered the best in the V-League so far.

The match between Ho Chi Minh City Police and Ninh Binh will kick off at 7:15 PM on November 9. This is one of the most important matches of the first half of the season, as a win for Ninh Binh would secure their top spot and widen the gap from chasing teams, while Ho Chi Minh City Police need points to continue competing for a Top 3 finish.

Schedule for round 11 of the 2025 - 2026 V-League

November 9

5 PM: Hoang Anh Gia Lai - Dong A Thanh Hoa

6 PM: Hai Phong - SHB Da Nang

6 PM: Song Lam Nghe An - Becamex Ho Chi Minh City

7:15 PM: Ho Chi Minh City Police - Ninh Binh

November 10

6 PM: Thep Xanh Nam Dinh - Hanoi FC

7:15 PM: Hanoi Police - Hong Linh Ha Tinh