V-League 2025/26: The Thrilling Race for the Top 3

While the championship race in V-League 2025/26 is narrowing down to two contenders, Hanoi Police and Viettel, the battle for the third position has become tense and unpredictable. Ninh Bình currently holds the advantage, but behind them is a Hanoi FC accelerating strongly, along with a series of rivals ready to turn the tables.

After 18 rounds, the landscapeV-League 2025/26is clearly divided into distinct segments. At the top, the championship race is almost exclusively a matter for Hanoi Police Club and Viettel.

But right behind them, the competition for the bronze medal has become the most captivating "front," where the slim point gap makes every scenario possible.

Ninh Bình currently ranks third with 34 points, holding the greatest autonomy. The ancient capital's team under coach Vũ Tiến Thành is displaying a pragmatic, effective, and resilient style sufficient to accumulate points. Their recent victories againstHAGLand Becamex TP.HCM have helped Ninh Bình solidify their position in the top 3.

However, behind the numbers lie many concerns. Ninh Bình's pragmatic playstyle is revealing its limits, especially as their defense is no longer as solid as in the early season.

Their three most recent wins all came with minimal margins, reflecting the fragility in how they protect their results.

A bigger issue lies in the attack. When foreign players like Gustavo or Friday decline in form, the burden falls on Geovane Magno and domestic players like Văn Thuận and Gia Hưng.

This makesNinh Bìnheasily fall into a stalemate when facing disciplined opponents. Without improving scoring efficiency, maintaining the third position until the end of the season will be a significant challenge. Moreover, at this moment, Mr. Thành has moved to the Technical Director role, handing over to new coach Bae Ji Won. It's unclear how Ninh Bình will be affected by the club leadership's recent decision.

Pressure is clearly mounting from behind, especially from Hanoi FC. The team under coach Harry Kewell is on an impressive form streak with 6 wins in their last 8 matches. From being left behind, Hanoi FC has returned strongly and now has 30 points, only 4 points behind Ninh Bình.

The standout factor in this resurgence is Đỗ Hoàng Hên. This midfielder not only plays the conductor role but also scores directly, with 7 goals since the start of the season. His ability to create breakthroughs makes Hoàng Hên the cornerstone for the Capital team's attacking play.

More importantly, Hanoi FC possesses the composure of a team with rich tradition. With 6 V-League championships, Văn Quyết and his teammates know how to accelerate at the decisive stage. The match against Becamex TP.HCM in round 19 is an ideal opportunity to shorten the gap, even applying direct pressure on Ninh Bình.

Not only Hanoi FC, Hải Phòng is also a notable name. With 27 points, the Port city team is only 3 points behind Hanoi FC and could certainly squeeze into the top 3 if they maintain their form. However, a major question lies in motivation.

Below them, Ho Chi Minh City Police Club and Nam Định haven't abandoned hope either. Despite a larger point gap, with 8 rounds remaining, everything can still change.

Ho Chi Minh City Police Club currently has 26 points but is the least stable in this group. Two consecutive defeats with a total score of 0-7 reveal serious issues in both attack and defense. Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức frankly admitted the team lacks a proper target striker, while Tiến Linh's prolonged decline leaves the attack without a reliable pillar.

The remaining 8 rounds will hold significant meaning for the clubs. Ninh Bình has the advantage, but cannot afford complacency. Hanoi FC is accelerating and ready to "seize the throne." Hải Phòng, Nam Định, or even Ho Chi Minh City Police could become disruptors, and perhaps fortune might favor one of these names.