Intense battle for survival in V-League 2025/26 season.

The 25th matchday of V-League 2025/26 brought the most exciting elements of the national league seen so far this campaign. Since the title race ended early with CAHN winning the championship, all attention focused on the survival struggle and the competition for second place.

Most notably, the relegation race at the bottom of the table. Rarely has a season seen three bottom teams all on 21 points after 25 rounds. Becamex TP.HCM, SHB Đà Nẵng, and PVF-CAND enter the final round with no room for error.

PVF-CAND sparked the strongest hope after a 3-1 victory over Hai Phong. In a must-win match, coach Tran Tien Dai's side did what they needed against a Hai Phong team lacking motivation. That win didn't lift PVF-CAND off the bottom, but it gave them a chance to decide their fate in the final round.

Becamex TP.HCM found themselves in a much more dangerous position. A 1-2 loss at Hang Day stadium to new champions CAHN dropped the team from Thu to second-from-bottom. Meanwhile, SHB Đà Nẵng moved up to 12th, overtaking Becamex thanks to a point earned at Ha Tinh. This is a big advantage for coach Le Duc Tuan's side before their final home match against Thanh Hoa.

As for Becamex TP.HCM, despite their efforts, coach Hua Hien Vinh's men couldn't withstand the strength of CAHN, who were euphoric on their championship trophy day. Dinh Bac shone with two assists, while Alan nearly secured the top scorer title after increasing his goal tally to 16.

On the flip side, CAHN's victory also demonstrated the class of a true champion. Despite having secured the title early, coach Mano Polking's side fielded their strongest lineup and played with absolute seriousness. The hosts at Hang Day showed no mercy to their opponents on their big celebration day.

Meanwhile, SHB Đà Nẵng still holds a fragile advantage ahead of the final round. However, with the points gap now erased, even a single slip could cost the Han River team dearly.

In the top group, the race for the runner-up spot is not over yet. The Cong Viettel earned a point at CATP.HCM to maintain control of their destiny. Coach Velizar Popov's team currently has 51 points, three ahead of Ninh Binh before the final round. As long as they avoid defeat in the last match, The Cong Viettel will surely retain second place.

However, attention should also be paid to CATP.HCM, as the club remains determined to finish in 5th place, under pressure from Nam Dinh. Tien Linh scored a valuable equalizer to secure a point and keep 5th place for CATP.HCM before the final round. Meanwhile, at Thien Truong stadium, Xuan Son also found his scoring touch again after a long disappointing spell with a hat-trick against a demotivated SLNA.

However, Ninh Binh also showed they haven't given up hope. A 2-0 win right at Thanh Hoa's ground was a courageous performance by this ambitious newcomer. The turning point came after Doan Ngoc Tan's red card when the Thanh Hoa captain committed a dangerous foul on Tai Loc. Playing with a man advantage, Ninh Binh capitalized well to score another goal and take all three points. With 48 points, the ancient capital side continues to pressure Viettel in the runner-up race.

But the biggest surprise of the round came in Pleiku. Hanoi FC traveled to face HAGL determined to defend their third-place position. Things started well as Hoang Hen continued his impressive scoring form by opening the score late in the first half. However, the striker, who has 11 goals this season, also missed a golden chance to double the lead before half-time.

That was a moment Hanoi FC would greatly regret. Because in the second half, HAGL showed a completely different face. Urged on by their coaching staff and the pressure of relegation, the mountain team played with a nothing-to-lose spirit. A mistake by Hanoi FC's defense became the turning point. Thanh Chung scored an own goal to level the match, then Xuan Manh allowed 17-year-old talent Tran Gia Bao to get past him and score to make it 2-1.

Once again, Gia Bao showed why he is considered the future of mountain football. Not only does he possess good technique, but this young striker also has a rare confidence at the age of 17.

Gabriel's goal to make it 3-1 late in the match sealed a nightmare evening for Hanoi FC. Coach Kewell's side not only lost third place to Ninh Binh but also extended their disappointing record in Pleiku. In their last five away visits there, Hanoi FC has never won against HAGL.

For HAGL, that golden victory secured their survival with a round to spare. After a turbulent season, the mountain team can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Mr. Vu Tien Thanh proved his golden touch by returning to the club in time and helping HAGL overcome difficulties.

Round 25 concluded, but all eyes are on the final round. The survival race remains unresolved as the three bottom teams all have 21 points. The runner-up battle is also undecided. And that is what makes this V-League season so special - everything will be decided in the final moments, where joy and tears can swap places after just one final whistle.