The reigning V-League champion faces relegation concerns.

The 2025/26 V-League is witnessing an unpredictable scenario in the lower half of the standings. After the opening round of the second leg, the relegation battle has intensified.

Surprisingly, the group anxiously looking over their shoulders includes not only familiar names but also features both HAGL and the reigning champion.Nam Dinh.

HAGL had previously enjoyed a sense of security. Two consecutive wins against SHB Da Nang and Ninh Binh helpedthe Mountain City teamclimb to 8th place after the first leg.

However, football does not allow for complacency. The defeat to CAHN in round 14 triggered a "domino effect" as SLNA, Nam Dinh, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City all won their matches. After just one round, HAGL dropped to 11th place with 14 points.

The gap between HAGL and the bottom group is now more precarious than ever. The two teams below them, Thanh Hoa and SHB Da Nang, both had positive results in round 14 and have closed the distance significantly.

This shows that a single misstep could immediately reverse the situation. For a club once regarded as a symbol of youth development and technical play, having to meticulously calculate every point for survival is a harsh reality.

In round 15, HAGL will face a test in the absence of Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh. Coach Le Quang Trai will lead HAGL against Ho Chi Minh City Police at Pleiku Stadium.

Ho Chi Minh City Police are experiencing a dip in form after two consecutive losses. Coach Le Huynh Duc's team has scored only 2 goals in their last two matches, and key striker Tien Linh has been in a goal drought since October 2025.

In this context, home advantage and an effective counter-attacking style could help HAGL secure crucial points. However, Ho Chi Minh City Police will also test the home side's capabilities as HAGL operates without Mr. Thanh in the technical area.

Meanwhile, the reigning champion Nam Dinh finds itself in an ironic situation. Instead of defending their title, Coach Vu Hong Viet's squad must focus on securing safety. With 15 points and 9th place, the team from Nam Dinh cannot rest easy.

The victory over Ninh Binh in round 14 demonstrated that the quality of Coach Vu Hong Viet's team remains. With Xuan Son rediscovering his scoring touch, Nam Dinh could gain a psychological boost.

The V-League is a marathon, and just a few off-games could push Nam Dinh back into danger. Their upcoming away match at PVF CAND's stadium this week is predicted to be challenging.

Becamex Ho Chi Minh City is one of the teams showing resilience. Three valuable points from the Ho Chi Minh City derby helped them rise to 10th place with 15 points. Coach Dang Tran Chinh's team may not be flashy but knows how to seize opportunities.

On a brilliant night, goalkeeper Minh Toan could become the hero. Such pragmatism is sometimes the key to successful survival.

The 12th-placed team, Thanh Hoa with 13 points, has impressed with their fighting spirit. Despite financial and squad challenges, Coach Mai Xuan Hop's team is not easily beaten. In their last five matches, they have lost only one, drawn three, and won one. This fiery spirit could be the foundation for the team from Thanh to climb if their situation stabilizes.

PVF CAND (11 points) and SHB Da Nang (10 points, with one game in hand) are also not giving up. PVF CAND is inexperienced but full of youthful energy, while SHB Da Nang just regained confidence after a big win in the "reverse final" at Chi Lang Stadium. However, their road ahead remains fraught with difficulties.

Notably, the point gap between teams from 6th place down to the bottom is not very large. Ho Chi Minh City Police, with 20 points, also cannot take anything for granted if they continue to drop points.