V-League 2025/26: The Mark of the Newcomers

25/08/2025 14:03:00 GameGladiator

Winning their first two matches against challenging opponents, Ninh Binh Club has made an outstanding debut in the V-League, especially as a newcomer.

1. Ninh Binh FC made their league debut under the curious gaze of experts, not only as a newcomer but also due to their intense recruitment efforts. After a 3-1 away win against Hong Linh Ha Tinh in their opening match, Ninh Binh FC happily opened their home stadium to welcome fans from the ancient capital Hoa Lu for the match against neighboring Thanh Hoa.

At Ninh Binh’s home ground, coach Gerard Albadalejo’s team displayed a blazing attacking performance, defeating Thanh Hoa decisively 4-0. It was unfortunate for the Thanh Hoa side as Que Ngoc Hai was absent and striker Lucas Ribamar had to leave the field due to injury in the first half. Still, Ninh Binh FC’s dominance was undeniable, led by playmaker Nguyen Hoang Duc and a strong squad featuring national players Nguyen Duc Chien, Dang Van Lam, Chau Ngoc Quang, and Do Thanh Thinh.

It is clear that having a quality domestic core serves as a launchpad for the expensive foreign players to shine, with Dos Anjos and Gustavo both scoring braces in this victory. The impressive performances of national team players in Ninh Binh FC and other clubs each week satisfy coach Kim Sang Sik, who, along with his staff, closely monitors every player.

However, appearances can be misleading since the season is just starting, the road ahead is long, and many changes remain. Winning or losing at the start brings different feelings, but finishing first is another matter. It is too early to judge the quality of the 14 teams competing in the V-League over the past two demanding years or to call this a "farewell to the old, welcome to the new" race for the crown.

Although a newcomer, Ninh Binh Club has achieved two consecutive wins after the first two rounds. Photo: Ninh Binh Club

2. At this point, it is difficult to talk about a championship race in V.League 2025/26 with specific names. The rest of the season will be where teams fully demonstrate their qualities for the competition. The V-League is always fierce and unpredictable, so "only the long run reveals the true strength."

Nam Dinh claimed the title for two consecutive seasons, preceded by CAHN Club. These are indeed two new names after Hanoi FC’s dominance period, but it was not too dramatic since nothing was surprising given the strength of these two clubs. Alternating heavy investments, both CAHN and Nam Dinh have been naturally seen by experts as title contenders. Ninh Binh is also grouped among the championship candidates this season due to similar heavy investments.

Everything is also hard to predict in V-League 2025/26 because most teams have experienced roster changes, especially foreign players. In other words, after a tough 2024/25 season, most clubs have reinforced their squads and upgraded their teams. In this mix of old and new, the team that "warms up" earliest has a better chance of winning in the early phase of the season.

The level of teams has drawn closer, with no huge gaps, so stronger-rated teams won’t easily secure victories. What remains clear shows that this season’s competition will be fierce and close. Every team understands that the season is long and harsh, so maintaining fitness and refining skills are activities that must continue throughout.

Therefore, it is very likely that in the upcoming rounds, after surprises that delight fans, the contenders will return to their positions, while weaker teams will continue the relegation battle. Competing for the title is tough, and the fight to avoid relegation is no easier, so it’s best to take things step by step.

The new season promises to be exciting and unpredictable, and most importantly, fans gain confidence that every match will bring something new. Newcomers eager to prove themselves, along with established powers wanting to confirm their status, are bringing fresh energy to Vietnam’s top football league.

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