Hanoi FC puts HAGL in danger

The 2-1 win against Nam Dinh at Hang Day Stadium did more than just give Hanoi FC three points in Round 24 of the 2025/26 V-League; it also influenced the battle for the final third-place spot against Ninh Binh. Additionally, Hoang Hen and his squad might cause HAGL to face a tricky scenario.

At the most critical point of the season,Do Hoang Henonce again became the hero of the capital city club.

In a match whereHanoi FCfaced heavy pressure after Nam Dinh's equalizer, Hoang Hen proved his worth as a star enjoying the best season of his career.

This attacking midfielder directly contributed to both goals, scoring once and providing an assist for Passira to seal the 2-1 victory.

That performance further cemented his irreplaceable role in head coach Harry Kewell's tactical system.

Ten goals and numerous assists after 24 rounds speak volumes. Hoang Hen currently ranks among the top three local scorers in the league and is tied with Dinh Bac in the race for the Golden Boot. More importantly, the player with 10 goals in 17 games always knows how to shine when his team needs it most.

Thanks to the win over Nam Dinh, Hanoi FC moved up to third place with 45 points, level on points with Ninh Binh but ahead on goal difference. This is an important advantage, yet not enough for the capital side to feel secure.

The battle for the bronze medal is heating up with each passing round. Ninh Binh remains close behind and is considered to have a more favorable schedule in the final two rounds. The ancient capital team could potentially take all six remaining points against Thanh Hoa and Hong Linh Ha Tinh. That means Hanoi FC can hardly afford any slip-ups if they want to keep their current position.

The biggest test awaits Harry Kewell's men in Round 25 as they travel to Pleiku to face HAGL. On paper, HAGL cannot match Hanoi FC in strength, but their current circumstances make the mountain town side particularly dangerous.

After 24 rounds, HAGL has only 23 points and sits just three points above second-from-bottom SHB Da Nang. The relegation battle remains undecided, and every point is a matter of life and death for Le Quang Trai's team. Playing at their home ground in Pleiku with no room to retreat,HAGLwill undoubtedly fight with more than 100% of their ability.

Not to mention the off-field factors that also make this match noteworthy. Of course, on a professional pitch, every team fights primarily for their own interests, but that only adds to the tension expected in Pleiku.

For Hanoi FC, the top-three target is now the season's most important goal after the club failed to succeed in the National Cup. A traditional club like Hanoi FC always needs medals to assert its status.

After 20 years of building and development, chairman Hien's team understands that finishing outside the top three would be unacceptable. Speaking after the win over Nam Dinh, Hung Dung also admitted that Hanoi FC's goal is to win every match.

Hoang Hen and his teammates still have a challenging road ahead. The victory over Nam Dinh only helped Hanoi FC regain the upper hand.

To protect third place under pressure from Ninh Binh, Coach Kewell's team must continue to show their character in Pleiku, where the entire season could be decided.