Round 8 of the First Division: Công Phượng returns, Đồng Nai solidifies top position

After round 8, the 2025/26 National First Division started to distinctly split, with the top teams pulling ahead and the fight to avoid relegation intensifying with numerous uncertain outcomes.

After round 8 of the 2025/26 National First Division, the standings are gradually becoming more defined. The top and bottom groups have formed with an increasing points gap, yet with a long season ahead, the race at both ends of the table still holds many unpredictable scenarios.

In the leading group, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai Club continues to assert its status as a top contender for promotion by securing an important victory over Khatoco Khánh Hòa Club. The three points earned allowed coach Việt Thắng’s team to extend their lead over their closest rival to 4 points (20 compared to 16), creating a significant advantage in the long-term race. Beyond the points lead, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai has demonstrated consistency in form and mental strength, crucial factors to maintain their number one spot.

Behind the leaders, round 8 saw several contenders falter. Khatoco Khánh Hòa lost, Quảng Ninh was defeated at Phú Thọ, while Quy Nhơn United only managed a draw at Cao Lãnh. Among the upper group teams, only Bắc Ninh Club capitalized on their chance to take full points, thus keeping pressure on the front runners.

The win against TP.HCM Club pushed Bắc Ninh to 4th place with 13 points, just 1 point behind the team above. The tight gap among teams ranked 3rd to 6th indicates the fierce competition for the top spots, promising many shifts in the upcoming phase of the season.

In the lower half of the table, the relegation battle is also heating up. Thanh Niên TP.HCM Club remains at the bottom with only 2 points and no wins so far this season. However, the gap between them and Đồng Tháp Club just above is only 3 points, meaning everything could change quickly.

Notably, the upcoming round 9 will feature a direct clash between Thanh Niên TP.HCM and Đồng Tháp — a match regarded as the “reverse final” among the bottom teams. Meanwhile, teams like Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ, Đại học Văn Hiến, and Long An have secured crucial wins to move ahead, showing that the relegation fight in the 2025/26 National First Division remains highly unpredictable.