HAGL creates a turning point in the V-League relegation race

The 2-1 victory over Nam Định in round 18 of the LPBank V-League 2025/26 not only brought 3 valuable points, but could also become a decisive turning point for HAGL's season fate. In a turbulent season, the mountain town team found light in the most unexpected way.

HAGL's victory at Thiên Trường Stadium carries more significance than a regular match. It was the first time the team under coach Lê Quang Trãi experienced victory since parting with General Director Vũ Tiến Thành. But more importantly, it came at a time when confidence was wavering, relegation pressure was looming, and everything seemed against the youngest team in the V-League.

It must be honestly acknowledged, this was a somewhat lucky victory. HAGL benefited from Nam Định's complacency and apparent fatigue after a streak of 5 wins. Particularly controversial was referee Nguyễn Trung Kiên B's decision to deny a clear penalty at the end of the match.

If that situation had been handled differently, the outcome could likely have reversed. But football always has such moments, and this time, luck sided with the mountain town team. Notably, HAGL is not the first time to create surprises in this manner.

The team under coach Lê Quang Trãi is becoming the most unpredictable mystery of the league. HAGL can lose matches where points seemed certain, but also ready to defeat much stronger opponents. Previously, HAGL had led against both CAHN and Ninh Bình, forcing these top-ranked teams to struggle hard to secure victory.

Statistics show HAGL has earned 6 points from 5 matches against top-3 clubs this season. The 4-match winless streak before round 18 may not accurately reflect HAGL's actual strength. Coach Quang Trãi's team often controls the game well before faltering in the final third of the match. This is something a young squad needs time to accumulate. The victory over Nam Định could be the reward for that persistence.

Determination is helping HAGL build significant self-confidence for relegation survival. The attack, though not truly sharp, has improved notably with 6 goals in the last 3 matches. More importantly, HAGL holds a major advantage in the match schedule.

After overcoming Nam Định, HAGL only has the match against Thể Công Viettel at Hàng Đẫy Stadium considered the toughest. This opens a clear opportunity to accumulate points against moderate opponents.

It is also interesting for HAGL that in round 19, Coach Quang Trãi's club will face Thể Công Viettel. This opponent brings many positive memories for the mountain town team. In the last 10 encounters since 2020, the two teams have a record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws. Under coach Velizar Popov, Thể Công Viettel has never defeated HAGL. In the first leg, Thể Công Viettel lost 1-2 in Pleiku, even though HAGL had not won any match after 6 games, while the visiting team was ranked 2nd.

This is a strange jinx spanning many years while the Bulgarian coach led Thanh Hóa and now Thể Công Viettel. Ironically, in the upcoming match, Mr. Popov cannot direct due to a suspension penalty, putting his team at further disadvantage.

If HAGL continues to earn points, even victory, it would not only be a major step in the relegation race but could also impact the championship race. Thể Công Viettel is currently chasing the top spot, and another stumble could leave Coach Popov's team behind. Then, the beneficiary could be CAHN.

But above all, what HAGL needs is not grand scenarios, but stability. Coach Lê Quang Trãi understands this by continuously emphasizing focus on each match. For a young squad, each victory not only brings points but also helps build confidence and competitive courage.

The victory at Thiên Trường Stadium is a morale boost and a confirmation that HAGL still has the capability to determine its own fate. In a difficult season, sometimes just one such match is needed to continue surviving in the V-League.

  Việt Hà