Round 12 of the V-League: Ninh Bình's unbeaten streak ends, top spot changes hands

Round 12 of the 2025/26 V-League 1 ended with a change at the top, marking the official intensification of the title competition.

Round 12 of the 2025/26 V-League 1 wrapped up with many notable events, the most prominent being the shift in the league standings' leading position. This makes the title race more exciting and unpredictable than ever, especially since the first half of the season is not yet over and the point gap among the top teams remains very close.

The highlight of the round was the clash between Công an Hà Nội and Ninh Bình at Hàng Đẫy Stadium. This match attracted great attention from fans as all tickets were sold out early, creating a rare lively atmosphere. Right after kickoff, Ninh Bình surprisingly took the lead, but Công an Hà Nội quickly demonstrated the resilience of a title contender.

Despite coach Alexander Polking having to manage from the stands, the home team played proactively and scored three consecutive goals by Alan to turn the game around. Although Ninh Bình fought back and reduced the deficit in the second half, and even played with one less player late in the match, Công an Hà Nội still secured a 3-2 victory. These valuable three points propelled the police team to the top of the table, two points ahead of Ninh Bình but with one game in hand.

In another eagerly awaited match, Thể Công Viettel won 2-1 away at Hải Phòng's Lạch Tray Stadium. Lucao continued his scoring streak with a brace, including a skillful backward header. Despite Hải Phòng's efforts and a goal from Tague, the home team could not hold onto any points against the resilient soldiers' side.

Meanwhile, Hà Nội FC had a successful away game at SLNA, winning 3-1. Hai Long and Hùng Dũng quickly gave the capital team a strong advantage, and although Hùng Dũng was sent off with a red card, Hà Nội FC still managed to score again and control the match. SLNA’s late consolation goal was not enough to change the outcome.

Notably, Round 12 took place just after the conclusion of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, yet stadiums nationwide still saw very positive attendance, especially a large presence of young fans. This not only enhanced the matches' atmosphere but also demonstrated the growing appeal of the 2025/26 V-League 1, promising an exciting and intense long-term race in the next phase of the season.