When the final whistle blew at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of May 17th, Hanoi Police FC officially became the V.League 2025/26 champions after a 2-0 victory over Dong A Thanh Hoa. This was not just the final match of the championship race, but also a testament to the long journey of a team that knew how to overcome pressure, rise after setbacks, and act with the qualities of a true champion.
CAHN won the championship with an impressive lead over the rest of the league. After 23 rounds, Coach Polking's team earned 60 points, scored 55 goals, and conceded only 19, 11 points more than the second-placed team. These numbers fully reflect the strength of Coach Mano Polking's team: an effective attack, a solid defense, and the ability to maintain consistent performance over the long term.
From early season skepticism
Despite being considered one of the top contenders for the championship, CAHN entered the 2025/26 season under considerable pressure. After significant investments and possessing a squad of top-quality players in the V.League, what fans were expecting was no longer individual victories but consistent performance throughout the entire season.
The 2025/26 V.League season will not be an easy race for Coach Polking's team. Ninh Binh emerged strongly in the early stages of the season, The Cong Viettel is in close pursuit, while Hanoi FC remains a formidable opponent. At times, CAHN has not yet created the feeling of being the sole contender in the championship race.
That was also the period when many doubts arose. Would CAHN have the resilience to maintain their form in the long run? Could a team with so many stars function as a true collective? These doubts were further heightened when the team from Hang Day Stadium was eliminated from tournaments such as the National Cup, Shopee Cup, and AFC Champions League in disappointing fashion. Pressure on the coaching staff and players was almost certain.
But it was in this context that CAHN began to show their biggest difference this season: their ability to maintain faith in the path they chose. Coach Polking didn't build CAHN based on a few outstanding individuals, but created a highly organized system with good transition capabilities and effective control of the game. CAHN gradually became a team that knew how to win using various strategies.
CAHN's major turning point came in the middle of the season. After 17 rounds, Coach Polking's team had 44 points, creating a significant gap with their chasing rivals. This was also the time when the press began to recognize CAHN as the number one championship contender.
What's remarkable is how CAHN made the difference. They didn't just win because of individual brilliance, but through a balanced style of play. CAHN's attack became a nightmare for every opponent. Alan Grafite showed a sharp goal-scoring instinct in the penalty area. Leo Artur brought the ability to create breakthroughs with his skillful and fast ball control. Meanwhile, Quang Hai continued to be the heart and soul of the team's system.
While Quang Hai was previously often mentioned for his star moments, this season he has made his mark with his mature playing style. The midfielder, born in 1997, drops deeper to connect the lines, regulate the tempo, and act as a tactical link for the entire team.
At the back, Bui Hoang Viet Anh has become a reliable anchor in the defense. Not only is he strong in tackles and situational awareness, but this center-back also brings fighting spirit and leadership to CAHN's defensive system. His all-around offensive and defensive capabilities have helped Coach Polking's team maintain incredible stability. After 22 matches, CAHN has won 18, drawn 3, and lost only once. That's the form of a champion.
The stumbles that lead to growth and the resilience of a champion.
However, CAHN's journey to the championship was not entirely smooth. The 1-2 defeat against Hanoi FC in round 15 was considered a major shock for the police team. Not only did they lose their impressive run of form, but CAHN also allowed the chasing teams to close the gap in the championship race.
However, it was precisely during that difficult time that CAHN's resilience was demonstrated more clearly than ever. Coach Polking prevented the team from falling into a psychological crisis. The players quickly regained their focus and continued to maintain a stable rhythm of play. A disappointing draw against PVF-CAND later became a timely warning for CAHN to tighten up their formation in the crucial stage. The resilience of a champion lies not in never failing, but in the ability to rise after setbacks, and CAHN did just that.
If Quang Hai, Alan Grafite, and Leo Artur were the foundation of CAHN's success, then Nguyen Dinh Bac was the symbol of the final acceleration phase of the season. This young striker exploded at the most crucial point of the season. Dinh Bac's consecutive goals helped CAHN overcome a series of difficult matches, from the 5-1 victory against Da Nang to the emotional comeback against Nam Dinh.
In particular, Dinh Bac's brace in the 3-2 victory against Nam Dinh is considered one of the pivotal moments in the championship race. It was not only an important win in terms of points, but also a confirmation of CAHN's fighting spirit and ambition.
Dinh Bac's breakout performance also demonstrates the impressive depth of the capital city team's squad. As the race enters its most intense phase, CAHN always has individuals who know how to make a difference.
The 2-0 victory against Thanh Hoa in round 23 was the perfect finishing touch to CAHN's V.League conquest. Notably, that match took place while coach Mano Polking was unable to directly coach due to accumulating too many yellow cards. However, this did not affect the team's performance. CAHN still controlled the game, played solidly, and secured a convincing victory to officially claim the championship. This is the clearest evidence of the collective strength that coach Polking built throughout the season.
CAHN's V.League 2025/26 championship wasn't simply the result of big stars or explosive matches. The greatest value this team created lay in their stability, their ability to control the race, and their composure in crucial moments. They didn't just play like a championship contender; they behaved like true champions.
The Vietnamese national team also benefited from CAHN winning the championship early.
CAHN's early championship win is not only a joy for coach Polking and his team, along with the fans of the capital city's team, but it also has a positive impact on the Vietnamese national team. In the stands at Hang Day Stadium on May 17th, coach Kim Sang Sik must have been delighted to witness CAHN's championship victory. The South Korean strategist has had the opportunity to assess a number of key national team players from both CAHN and Dong A Thanh Hoa. More importantly, CAHN's early championship win also gives players like Quang Hai, Quang Vinh, Viet Anh, and Dinh Bac a chance to reduce their playing intensity in the remaining three rounds of the V.League, thus reducing the risk of injury, especially with the AFF Cup 2026 just two months away.
Dinh Bac is growing up.
In the match of round 23 of the V.League 2025/26, Nguyen Dinh Bac earned a penalty for Hanoi Police FC in the second half. The striker wearing jersey number 9 later expressed his desire to take the penalty himself. This is completely understandable, given Dinh Bac's excellent form for both Hanoi Police FC and the Vietnam U23 team, and his eagerness to extend his consecutive scoring streak in the V.League.
However, as previously assigned, Alan Grafite was the one chosen to take the decisive penalty. Dinh Bac did not react, nor did he show excessive regret, but quickly and happily accepted the decision of the coaching staff and his teammates.
The moment after the goal somewhat revealed the maturity of this young striker. People still saw Dinh Bac hugging Alan in a very emotional celebration, as if he were a player who prioritized the team's success over his individual achievements.
For many fans, it's not just the joy of a goal, but also a display of character and professionalism. Dinh Bac is showing maturity not only in his skills, but also in his ability to control his emotions, interact with teammates, and integrate into the team — important qualities of a future leader.
Source: https://cand.vn/cong-an-ha-noi-hanh-trinh-den-ngoi-vuong-post811217.html
Comment (0)