Hoàng Hên and Hanoi FC exert pressure on Ninh Bình Club

Hanoi FC's 4-2 win against Becamex TP.HCM in the early fixture of round 19 carries more than just three points; it is a statement in the Top 3 battle of the V-League 2025/26. Đỗ Hoàng Hên is emerging as Hanoi FC's beacon, aiding the team to narrow the gap to Ninh Bình's third spot by a single point.

It is not an exaggeration to say thatHoàng Hênis "carrying" the ambitions of the Capital's football team. With 9 goals and 6 assists in just 13 matches, the performance of this national team player has far exceeded expectations.

When compared to foreign strikers like Lucao of Thể Công Viettel (who also has 9 goals but required 18 matches), the difference becomes even more evident. Hoàng Hên not only scores; he shapes the playstyle, sets the rhythm, and inspires.

The special quality of this midfielder lies in his playing style. His soft, improvisational left-footed touches, yet highly effective, make him distinct. Hoàng Hên is not the type of player who explodes with power; he is more of a "grass artist." Hên knows when to slow down and when to strike decisively. That is a rare trait in the current V-League.

The timely emergence ofHoàng Hênis altering the landscape of the Top 3 race. With the three points earned, Hanoi FC now has 33 points and has closed in on Ninh Bình (the team holding third place), trailing by exactly one point. The pressure now no longer rests on Hanoi FC but has shifted to the ancient capital's club. Ninh Bình must face PVF CAND, a team desperate for points to avoid relegation, at 18:00 on April 18.

Ninh Bình was once considered a strong contender for the bronze medal, but recent signs of stagnation have eroded their safety margin.

Hanoi FC is accelerating at the right moment. Under the guidance ofCoach Harry Kewell,this team has won 7 out of their last 9 matches, demonstrating the stability and character of a club with rich tradition. And most importantly, they have Hoàng Hên, who can make a difference in crucial matches.

With his current form, the 32-year-old midfielder can genuinely compete for the top scorer title, a feat seemingly reserved for forwards. Hên has 9 goals, trailing Tagueu by one goal and Alan Grafite by five. If he maintains this level, Hoàng Hên surpassing them is not impossible.

More importantly, Hên is bringing confidence. Had he been present from the start of the season, perhaps the position of the six-time V-League champion club would be different now. The race is still long, but clearly, the balance is shifting.