Ninh Bình's Ambition in the V-League

Unlike heavyweight contenders such as defending champions Thép Xanh Nam Định, Công an Hà Nội, or Thể Công Viettel, Ninh Bình is currently the most impressive team. After two matches, the ancient capital club leads the table with outstanding statistics. Ninh Bình has secured all 6 points, is the only undefeated team, scored the most goals with 7, and conceded the fewest with just 1.

Returning to the V-League after an 11-year absence, Ninh Bình has demonstrated its ambitions at Vietnam’s top football level. The club has received significant investment and recruited some of the best Vietnamese players. Under coach Gerard Albadalejo Castaño, the team has made an exceptionally strong start to the new season.

As a newcomer, Ninh Bình has shown its determination this season. The club’s management brought in a renowned Spanish coaching staff and a highly rated group of foreign players.

Under coach Gerard Albadalejo, Ninh Bình has adopted a modern attacking football philosophy.

In the first two rounds, national team players wearing Ninh Bình’s colors such as Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Châu Ngọc Quang, Đặng Văn Lâm, Nguyễn Đức Chiến, Dụng Quang Nho, Nguyễn Quốc Việt, and Trần Bảo Toàn have all performed impressively.

Ninh Bình’s last two opponents, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh and Đông Á Thanh Hóa, were tough teams to beat last season, yet both suffered heavy defeats against the ancient capital side.

Ninh Bình surprised the entire V-League by winning 3-1 away at Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh in the first round. Notably, last season the mountainous team had the longest unbeaten streak and lost only once at home throughout the campaign.

A newly promoted team quickly making a mark in Vietnam’s top football league, Ninh Bình has earned widespread respect. This reflects the tactical skill of coach Gerard Albadalejo, even though he is new to the club.

Under Gerard Albadalejo’s leadership, Ninh Bình displays a variety of attacking strategies, with players from all positions capable of scoring. In just two rounds, five different players have scored, ranging from forwards and midfielders to defenders.

While other title contenders have yet to find their rhythm and failed to secure maximum points in the first two rounds, Ninh Bình has risen to occupy the top spot alone.

In the third round, Ninh Bình will travel to face SHB Đà Nẵng.

The Han River team has had a poor start to this V-League season. Coach Lê Đức Tuấn’s squad has earned only one point from two matches. This result is not surprising given that, compared to last season’s play-off squad, Đà Nẵng has made no significant changes to improve the team’s quality. Coach Lê Đức Tuấn relies on a handful of somewhat notable players to form the core, including goalkeeper Tiến Dũng, U23 defender Đức Anh, midfielders Đình Duy and Phi Hoàng.

However, the real challenge for the Hoa Lư ancient capital team will come from round 4, when coach Albadalejo’s squad faces Nam Định, Thể Công Viettel, and Hà Nội FC consecutively. These matches against top contenders will test Ninh Bình’s true strength.

The match between SHB Đà Nẵng and Ninh Bình is scheduled for 6 PM on August 27. Given their current form, the ancient capital team aims to secure three points to firmly maintain their lead at the top of the standings.

Expected starting lineups for both teams

SHB Đà Nẵng: Tiến Dũng, Kim Dong Su, Văn Hưng, Duy Thắng, Anh Tuấn, Đức Anh, Văn Long, Văn Hữu, Đình Duy, Emerson, David Boris

Ninh Bình: Văn Lâm, Marcelino, Thanh Thịnh, Quang Nho, Ngọc Bảo, Đức Chiến, Bảo Toàn, Ngọc Quang, Hoàng Đức, Gustavo, Daniel

V-League 2025 - 2026 Round 3 Schedule

August 27

6 PM: SHB Đà Nẵng - Ninh Bình

6 PM: Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh - Đông Á Thanh Hóa

6 PM: Thép Xanh Nam Định – PVF Công an Nhân dân

6 PM: Hải Phòng - Sông Lam Nghệ An

August 28

7:15 PM: Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh - Hoàng Anh Gia Lai

7:15 PM: Công an Hà Nội - Hà Nội FC

August 30

7:15 PM: Thể Công Viettel – Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh