Round 11 of the 2025 - 2026 V-League: Awaiting Nam Định to show their resilience

Both teams had a tough start this season, but now their situations have diverged.

Under the guidance of new Australian coach Harry Kewell, Hà Nội FC has somewhat regained form and developed an effective playing style. The capital city team has secured 2 wins out of the last 4 rounds.

The 4-0 victory over PVF-CAND on the evening of November 4 not only earned Hà Nội FC valuable 3 points but also marked the strong comeback of the team that dominated the V-League for many years. The key figure in the capital’s revival is naturalized player Đỗ Hoàng Hên, who has injected new energy into the Hàng Đẫy Stadium side’s attack.

Born in 1994, this player has scored 3 goals in 4 matches under coach Harry Kewell, making him the most effective domestic scorer in the V-League so far.

After Round 10, Hà Nội FC has 14 points, rising to 6th place, trailing the leader Ninh Bình by 10 points. This gap is not impossible to close as Hà Nội FC is regaining confidence and inspiration, qualities that helped the club win the V-League title six times.

Meanwhile, Nam Định is sinking deeper in the league standings this season. From being reigning champions and top contenders, the Nam team is now sliding into a severe performance crisis.

There have also been coaching changes like Hà Nội FC, but these adjustments have yet to improve the playing style or results for Nam Định. Recently, the Thiên Trường Stadium hosts lost to Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh and struggled to draw against the bottom two teams, Đà Nẵng and Hoàng Anh Gia Lai. Currently, Nam Định has only 9 points after 10 rounds. The 2-2 draw at Pleiku extended their winless streak to six matches.

A slim margin of just 2 points above the relegation zone sounds an alarm about the risk of being dragged into the relegation battle.

Despite strengthening their foreign players, the strain of competing in multiple tournaments is significantly affecting Nam Định’s form. Replacing coach Vũ Hồng Việt is clearly a temporary fix, while systemic adjustments are needed. Under the current circumstances, the chance for Nam Định to defend their title is becoming increasingly remote.

The upcoming schedule presents a major test for Nam Định. They will face a tough fixture list against high-performing opponents such as Hà Nội FC, Thanh Hóa, and Thể Công Viettel. This is an opportunity for Nam Định to prove their champion spirit, escape the downward spiral, and continue their story.

The V-League is accelerating with a packed schedule as teams rush to play midweek matches to complete Round 11 before the November FIFA break. A single victory could lift a team out of danger, but many squads appear exhausted from continuous games, putting Nam Định in a difficult position as they near the bottom of the league.

The match between Nam Định and Hà Nội FC will take place at 6 PM on November 10. It will certainly be a challenge for coach Harry Kewell’s team as the defending champions are desperate for a win after a disappointing run of results.

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

November 8

6 PM: PVF CAND vs Thể Công Viettel

November 9

5 PM: Hoàng Anh Gia Lai vs Đông Á Thanh Hóa

6 PM: Hải Phòng vs SHB Đà Nẵng

6 PM: Sông Lam Nghệ An vs Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh

7:15 PM: Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh vs Ninh Bình

November 10

6 PM: Thép Xanh Nam Định vs Hà Nội FC

7:15 PM: Công an Hà Nội vs Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh