V-League kicks off the new season with two rescheduled matches from round 10

Even as makeup games, the two clashes—Thanh Hóa vs CAHN and Viettel vs Nam Định—are expected to be highly exciting, truly fitting as the V-League’s much-anticipated spring kick-off after the Tet holiday.

At Thanh Hóa stadium, Đông Á Thanh Hóa players (12 points) are showing strong determination in every match to secure survival, despite having faced numerous off-field challenges throughout the first half of the season.

After drawing with the reigning champions TXNĐ at home just before the Tet break, the Thanh Hóa squad delivered a truly emotional “do-or-die” performance at Thống Nhất stadium, overcoming immense pressure and difficulties to defeat the season’s favorite CA TP HCM 2-1. Their ambition, fighting spirit, and sound tactics under coach Mai Xuân Hợp helped them withstand intense home team pressure, especially after twice taking the lead through Damoth’s goals.

Extending their lead over Đà Nẵng (currently bottom of the table) to 5 points and temporarily holding a 1-point advantage over the second-last PVF CAND, ĐATH’s chances of avoiding relegation remain intact, although they are still considered among the highest risk teams this season. The question is whether Thanh Hóa can secure points against the top-ranked CAHN, who boast a star-studded squad and consistent form.

At Hàng Đẫy stadium, Thể Công Viettel (22 points)—who unexpectedly lost 1-4 to SLNA before the Tet break—will host the defending champions Thép Xanh Nam Định (12 points). No one doubts the home team’s chances of winning if they maintain their good form following a forgettable round 13 match, where Viettel’s defense repeatedly erred and their attack failed to convert pressure into scoring opportunities.

Even when Viettel trailed 1-2 and SLNA lost a player with about 20 minutes left, few would have expected Viettel to fail to secure at least a point. Yet the remainder of that match turned into a nightmare for coach Popov’s team, as SLNA capitalized on counterattacks, punishing Viettel’s mistakes twice to establish an unbelievable score on their opponent’s ground. If Viettel still aims for a top 3 finish, they urgently need a win at home against the defending champions, who have struggled this season.

A streak of five consecutive draws has pushed Nam Định further from the top group race, but it also shows the team is gradually regaining strength to aim for a mid-table position rather than just survival. Therefore, despite being slightly underestimated in form and playing away, the team led by new head coach Jeromino will certainly target points in this crucial match.

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V-League teams resume play on the 4th day of Tet