V-League 2025/26 ahead of the 'final battle'

LPBank The V-League 2025/26 has only the final round left to witness the last battles of the relegation group. "Some will rise, others will fall..." will unfold on the afternoon of June 7th.

After round 25, at the bottom of the table, despite a loss to Ninh Binh FC, Thanh Hoa also followed HAGL in securing survival with 25 points, while the three teams behind—SHB Da Nang, Becamex HCMC, and PVF CAND—all have 21 points. These three teams will compete for the one remaining direct relegation survival spot, avoiding the play-off and relegation places.

SHB Da Nang direct survival, why not?

Earning a valuable point away at Hong Linh Ha Tinh, SHB Da Nang moved up to 12th place in the standings and took control of their own destiny in the relegation race ahead of the final matchday of the season.

The draw helped SHB Da Nang extend their unbeaten run to four games, giving them an advantage in the relegation battle and confidence before the V-League season finale. A draw on Ha Tinh's ground was considered a solid result for SHB Da Nang to turn the tide in the relegation race, as they have 21 points like PVF CAND and Becamex HCMC but sit above them due to a better tiebreaker. This is a deserved outcome after the great efforts of coach Le Duc Tuan and his players during the decisive sprint phase of the season.

With two wins and two draws in their last four matches, SHB Da Nang have not only escaped the bottom of the table but now hold the key to their own fate. These recent positive results have not only boosted SHB Da Nang's confidence in the final stretch but also sent encouraging signals regarding tactics, personnel management, and especially the form of many key players.

Having endured the entire season, SHB Da Nang must know how to seize this opportunity to pave the way for survival. A home win against Thanh Hoa is all they need, without having to worry about results from Go Dau or Vinh. Since Thanh Hoa have already secured survival with 25 points a round earlier, the team from Thanh will certainly arrive at Chi Lang in the most relaxed spirit. The path is clear, the flag is in hand—will SHB Da Nang be able to raise it?

The former V-League champion on the brink of the abyss

PVF CAND club was once in great danger and considered the top candidate for relegation. But a hard-fought and emotional 3-1 victory over Hai Phong in round 25 reignited their survival hopes. Although they still sit at the bottom (14th place), the spirit of the young PVF CAND players is at its highest, ready for the final match against SLNA at Vinh Stadium.

The team in the worst situation right now is probably Becamex HCMC. Coach Hua Hien Vinh and his men have put themselves in a precarious position after losing to the new champions, CAHN, in round 25. From a safer standing, they have now dropped to 13th place and must go all out in the final match to avoid the play-off spot. The worst risk is a direct relegation spot awaiting the former V-League king.

According to the V-League 2025/26 regulations, after 26 rounds of the current season, the bottom team will be relegated; the 13th-placed team will play a play-off against the runner-up of the First Division for a spot in Vietnam's top football league next season.

In round 26, SHB Da Nang will play at home at Chi Lang against Thanh Hoa. Their two relegation rivals, PVF CAND and Becamex HCMC, will also play at the same time, away to SLNA and at home to HAGL respectively. Thus, with their current 12th position, SHB Da Nang can achieve direct survival. Therefore, the goal of coach Le Duc Tuan and his players is to hold onto this position after the final match of the season.

For SHB Da Nang, Becamex HCMC, and PVF CAND, the final round is no longer about beautiful play or entertainment. It is the match of the entire season, even of the journey ahead. It is 90 minutes of extreme concentration, where the smallest mistake must be paid for. At this moment, coaches are not just tacticians but also psychologists, needing to instill fire and steadiness in their players.

When the whistle blows simultaneously for round 26, the relegation battle will be intense, and the three stadiums—Chi Lang, Go Dau, and Vinh—will be "connected" together. One tiny error could turn the dream of staying in the V-League into smoke. "Who leaves, who stays, who returns?" The answer will come on Sunday afternoon this week.