Ninh Binh has not given up on the V-League championship race

In the crucial phase of the LPBank V-League 2025/26, Ninh Binh Club is crafting a remarkable narrative as it races for the championship using its own domestic force. While foreign players have not met expectations, the historic capital's squad has discovered answers from Vietnamese players in top form.

Three consecutive victories against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Becamex TP.HCM, and PVF CAND not only secured 9 full points but also demonstrated a clear shift in the approachNinh Binhscored goals. Among the 7 goals scored in this streak, domestic players contributed up to 5, a number that speaks volumes.

Most prominent isLe Van Thuanwith 3 goals, including decisive match-winning strikes. No longer just a backup option, Van Thuan is becoming a genuine spearhead.

His sharp movement, positional awareness, and finishing instinct help the 2006-born player become a new pillar in the attack.

Pham Gia Hung also left his mark with one crucial goal, while Vietnamese-origin player Tran Thanh Trung brought a fresh breeze with confident and effective plays.

Only Geovane Magno remains the foreign player maintaining form with 2 goals, carrying the scoring burden as his foreign teammates fell short of expectations.

This change becomes even more noteworthy considering Gustavo's long-term injury and the anticipated signing from Hai Phong, Fred Friday, going silent in the second half. When foreign "guns" failed to fire, Ninh Binh had to pivot. This club has done it, even exceeding expectations.

Under the guidance of coach Vu Tien Thanh and now coach Bae Ji Won, Ninh Binh Club demonstrates significant pragmatism and effectiveness. Improved quick combinations and opportunity utilization have helpedNinh Binhreturn to the efficient image seen in the early season.

The statistic of 40 goals after 19 matches, just one less than Hanoi Police who haven't played round 19, clearly proves Ninh Binh's attacking power. More importantly, how this club scores does not depend on foreign players.

On the standings, Ninh Binh holds 37 points, ranking third, trailing second-place The Cong Viettel by only 1 point and leader Hanoi Police by 8 points. That gap is not small, but not impossible to close with 7 rounds remaining. The key is Ninh Binh maintaining its momentum and fighting spirit.

Compared to its earlier stagnation, the ancient capital's team accelerated at the right moment. In a long race, "internal strength" can sometimes be the decisive key.

Of course, to truly compete for the championship, Ninh Binh still needs more. But at least, the club has hope again.