There is no 'fairytale' for First Division representatives in the National Cup quarterfinals

The 2025/26 National Cup quarterfinals clearly reflect a familiar reality in Vietnamese football, as the gap between the V-League and the First Division remains substantial. In knockout matches, the squad quality of V-League clubs creates a clear dominant advantage.

Before the kick-off,the National Cup quarterfinalswere awaiting "challengers" from the First Division to test themselves against V-League representatives.

However, the 2025/26 season once again shows that surprises are not easy to occur as the disparity in class becomes increasingly evident.

The match betweenHo Chi Minh City Policeand Dong Nai is a typical example. Although Dong Nai leads the First Division and is assessed to have a squad close to the mid-tier V-League teams due to many veteran stars, the away team still could not overcome the pressure from the home side.

The difference lies not in the number of opportunities but in the ability to capitalize and composure in decisive moments.

The moment when Khoa Ngo earned a penalty and scored himself not only helped Ho Chi Minh City Police secure victory but also proved the value of individuals capable of creating breakthroughs. This is something First Division teams still lack.

Dong Nai has stars likeMinh Vuongin the attack, but this player was subdued and was substituted early in the loss to coach Le Huynh Duc's team.

The remaining First Division representative, Bac Ninh, also faces an immense challenge as they must visit The Cong Viettel at 7:15 PM on March 21 at Hang Day Stadium. The host is a team competing for the V-League championship, possessing strong form with an impressive winning streak. Considering all

Both Dong Nai and Bac Ninh are pursuing promotion goals and have shown clear progress. But when stepping onto the cup stage, where they must face teams accustomed to the high tempo of the V-League, their limitations are immediately exposed.

The biggest difference lies in the match tempo. V-League players are trained in a higher-intensity environment, process situations faster, and handle pressure better. This allows them to maintain stability throughout 90 minutes, while First Division teams often falter in decisive phases, similar to how Dong Nai lost control in the second half against Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Looking broader, the results in the 2025/26 National Cup quarterfinals serve as a warning for clubs aiming to reach the V-League next season via the playoff route. Vietnamese football history also records that V-League representatives dominate First Division teams in such matches.

Vietnamese football has a clear stratification, and to narrow this gap, First Division teams need more time, investment, and opportunities for exposure.

Nevertheless, the participation of names like Dong Nai or Bac Ninh still holds positive significance. They not only add color to the competition but also contribute to driving competitiveness.