V-League Relegation Battle: 'Do-or-Die' Matches

The penultimate round of the 2025-2026 V-League concluded with several surprising results, especially in the relegation group. While PVF-CAND defeated Hai Phong 3-1, SHB Da Nang held Hong Linh Ha Tinh to a 0-0 draw, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City lost to Cong An Ha Noi 1-2. These outcomes pushed the relegation battle into an unimaginable scenario, arguably one of the most thrilling in the league's history.

After Round 25, the positions at the bottom of the standings shifted. Currently, Da Nang, PVF-CAND, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City all have 21 points, but according to the rules of the 2025-2026 V-League, head-to-head results are considered first.

That is why, despite having a better goal difference than PVF-CAND, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City sadly sits at the bottom. PVF-CAND (13th) and SHB Da Nang (12th) are above them.

The representative from Ho Chi Minh City has lost control of its own fate in the relegation fight. If all three teams win in the final round, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will have to say goodbye to the top-flight V-League next season.

According to the schedule, in the final round, SHB Da Nang will face Dong A Thanh Hoa, PVF-CAND will take on SLNA, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will meet HAGL. These opponents all have no further objectives this season.

Among the bottom group, Da Nang is currently the team showing the clearest determination. Over the last four consecutive rounds, the Han River team has collected 8 points from two wins and two draws. This is an extremely encouraging result, as in the previous 21 rounds, the Chi Lang stadium side only managed a total of 13 points.

This result not only helped Da Nang escape the bottom spot but also gave them control of their own destiny in the final round of the season.

For PVF-CAND, their survival chances were reignited after Round 25. Their final opponent, SLNA, has no further goals to strive for, giving them an opportunity to secure all three points to avoid direct relegation.

Now, the most difficult situation lies with Becamex Ho Chi Minh City. Coach Hua Hien Vinh's squad must secure all three points against the Mountain City team and hope that their direct competitors, Da Nang and PVF-CAND, slip up in order to have any hope of survival.

From a seemingly safe position in the middle of the V-League standings this season, the Go Dau stadium side has declined due to a series of draws and losses since Round 17. The club's management has implemented many solutions, including changing coaches to change their luck, but these measures have not worked for the Thu Do team. Coaches Dang Tran Chinh, Ueno Nobuhiro, and now Hua Hien Vinh have come and gone, yet none could help Becamex Ho Chi Minh City overcome the crisis. A direct relegation spot awaits the former "Chelsea of Vietnam."

This season, the Go Dau team had a fairly quality squad with many national team players, but the more they played, the worse Becamex Ho Chi Minh City became. This is clearly a disappointing season for a team that once dominated Vietnamese football. It would be a great pity if the Thu Do side were to be relegated this season.

All matches in Round 26 of the 2025-2026 V-League will take place at 6:00 PM on June 7. This will make the relegation race even more dramatic, as each team's position on the standings will continuously change based on live match results.

For SHB Da Nang, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, and PVF-CAND, the final round is no longer about beautiful play or entertainment. It is 90 minutes of intense focus, where even the smallest mistake could cost an entire season.

Given the current situation, the final round of the V-League promises to be thrilling and full of drama.

Round 26 schedule on June 7 (6:00 PM)
SHB Da Nang - Dong A Thanh Hoa
Ninh Binh - Hong Linh Ha Tinh
The Cong Viettel - Cong An Ha Noi
Hai Phong - Thép Xanh Nam Dinh
Song Lam Nghe An - PVF CAND
Becamex Ho Chi Minh City - HAGL
Ha Noi FC - Cong An Ho Chi Minh City