The 2025/26 V-League promises an unpredictable finale.

The 2025/26 V-League is approaching its last round with a storyline that hasn't occurred in many seasons. The appeal stems from almost all clubs still having something to play for, resulting in a highly anticipated final matchday.

Currently, the championship was already secured byHanoi Police FC, but behind that lies a series of unresolved battles, from the relegation fight to the race for the runner-up spot and the top five positions.

The focus naturally falls on the bottom of the table, where three teams— PVF CAND, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, and SHB Da Nang—are all tied on 21 points.

One direct relegation spot and one playoff spot mean that any mistake comes at a high price.

Among these, PVF CAND is in the most disadvantaged position. Coach Tran Tien Dai's team not only trails their rivals in goal difference but also has almost no control over their own fate.

Their goal difference of -20 puts them at a disadvantage compared to Becamex Ho Chi Minh City (-14) and SHB Da Nang (-10). To survive, PVF CAND must first beat SLNA away and then hope their two direct rivals slip up.

In theory, playing away in Vinh is always a tough challenge. However, SLNA has already achieved their survival target. Last week, the Nghe An side even fielded a less-than-strong lineup in their match againstNam Dinh.

On the final matchday of the season at home, SLNA might still play wholeheartedly for their fans, but their fighting drive certainly cannot match that of a cornered PVF CAND.

However, PVF CAND's biggest issue lies not in their own match but in other stadiums. SHB Da Nang holds the biggest advantage in the survival race. Their opponent is Thanh Hoa, a team that has already achieved their goals and whose future remains uncertain.

The pressure therefore falls on Becamex Ho Chi Minh City. The second-to-last team has been a major disappointment with a poor run of form recently. Coach Hua Hien Vinh's men need to beat HAGL at home to keep their hopes of a playoff spot alive.

While the relegation battle rages at the bottom, the race in the upper half is equally noteworthy. The fight for fifth place between Ho Chi Minh City Police and Nam Dinh is one of the interesting highlights. Ho Chi Minh City Police have 35 points, one more than Nam Dinh. A top-five finish would be a fitting reward for a turbulent season for Ho Chi Minh City football.

However, Nam Dinh possesses a fearsome weapon in Nguyen Xuan Son. After a hat-trick against SLNA, the naturalized striker has shown he has rediscovered his goal-scoring instincts. Not only does he want to help Nam Dinh finish the season in the best possible position, but Xuan Son also needs to maintain his form ahead of the upcoming Vietnam national team camp and the National Cup semi-final. With that determination, Nam Dinh could easily overtake Ho Chi Minh City Police at the last moment.

The race for the runner-up spot also has many variables. The Cong Viettel holds the advantage with 51 points but cannot afford to be complacent. Coach Popov's team will face champions Hanoi Police FC, with Popov and his players under pressure following recent controversies over refereeing decisions.

Ninh Binh is just three points behind and has a better goal difference than The Cong Viettel. At home, against a Ha Tinh side with nothing left to play for, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's men have a great chance to take all three points. If The Cong Viettel stumbles, Ninh Binh could stage a spectacular overtake to claim the runner-up spot and a ticket to international competition.

Even Hanoi FC still has hope. Despite losing to HAGL and falling behind, coach Harry Kewell's team will fight to the end, waiting for a miracle from other stadiums.