SHB Da Nang changes its 'fate' after stadium renaming

The relegation race in V-League 2025/26 is intensifying every matchday, and at the foot of the table, SHB Da Nang surprisingly revived their hopes with a turning-point win. The three points earned in the "reverse final" against PVF CAND not only shortened the distance for the Han River side but also served as a sign of "changing luck" for the team led by coach Le Duc Tuan.

On fan forums, supportersof Da Nangwere jubilant as their team secured its first home win since the stadium's name was changed back to Chi Lang from Hoa Xuan.

The name Hoa Xuan was once mockingly called "Plenty of Spring, but only a Draw," implying that at best they could manage a draw, as losing was commonplace.

Meanwhile, Chi Ling evokes memories of a golden era from 2009-2012, when Da Nang football dominated the domestic scene, collecting all championship titles.

Although it's understood that football cannot rely on superstitious factors, belief sometimes starts from simple things like this.

The on-field reality shows the change is not just in the name. Under coach Le Duc Tuan, SHB Da Nang delivered one of their most convincing performances in years. This is a rare occasion since V-League 2020 that the team has scored three goals without conceding.

The defensive system was organized more tightly and disciplined, with Que Ngoc Hai acting as a true leader. The experienced center-back not only commanded the backline but also instilled confidence throughout the team.

The "reverse final" against PVF CAND was a cautious affair in the opening minutes, but the turning point came from a quick combination in the 10th minute, allowing Hong Phuc to open the scoring. The early goal helpedSHB Da Nangrelease the pressure, play more fluidly, and ultimately seal a 3-0 victory.

The three points earned right at the start of the second leg are significant both in terms of points and morale. SHB Da Nang now has 10 points after 13 matches, ranking 14th, just one point behind PVF CAND and still with one game in hand.

The gap to the teams above is also not too wide. The clubs currently in 10th, 11th, and 12th places—Nam Dinh, Becamex Binh Duong, and Thanh Hoa—all have 12 points; HAGL is in 9th with 14 points. This indicates this season's relegation battle is extremely tight, where a single win can completely shift the landscape.

However, one victory cannot guarantee anything. Even Que Ngoc Hai admitted the team is still at the bottom and has a lot of work to do. After the loss to direct rival HAGL, Ngoc Hai conceded the team's morale had dipped.

But the win over PVF CAND loosened the "knot," allowing the players to perform with more confidence, daring to hold possession and organize attacks instead of just retreating defensively.

The most significant positive for SHB Da Nang at the moment is the balance between defense and attack. Previously, the Han River team often struggled to score while the defense was prone to individual errors.

This time, coach Le Duc Tuan's players kept a clean sheet and capitalized well on their chances. The sharpness of the foreign players combined with the fierce determination of the local players created a new look.

This season's relegation race is not just about technical quality but also about mental fortitude. SHB Da Nang was relegated in 2023, a memory no fan wants to see repeated.