The V-League relegation battle remains unpredictable.

The rivals in the V-League 2025-2026 relegation battle – HAGL, Da Nang FC, and PVF - CAND – are still holding each other back, with none strong enough to break free from the danger zone.

HAGL is facing difficulties again.

HAGL FC thought they had escaped the relegation zone after their victory against Ninh Binh in the 13th round, but it was Ninh Binh FC that plunged the team from the mountainous region into the abyss. The 1-2 defeat against Ninh Binh in the 17th round on April 5th was a red flag for the team led by coach Le Quang Trai, as in the last four matches HAGL only managed to earn one point from a draw against Da Nang , while losing the rest.

Match schedule for round 18

HAGL Club (left) is facing difficulties due to a thin squad.

Photo: Nguyen Khang

The defeat against a team in poor form like Ninh Binh right in the mountainous city of Pleiku has truly worried HAGL fans. In this match, even though their opponent was missing captain Nguyen Hoang Duc, Coach Le Quang Trai's team couldn't bounce back to at least secure a point. HAGL's playing style lacked the spontaneity and danger it once possessed. Due to the inexperience of their young players, HAGL played weakly in both attack and defense. Their lack of experience meant HAGL lacked the cunning, composure, and effectiveness in front of the opponent's goal. In defense, apart from the reliable goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, HAGL's defenders were weak in tackling, allowing the opponent to dominate and create numerous dangerous situations for the U23 Vietnam goalkeeper.

With such a thin squad, HAGL often struggles to get points at home. Now that they can easily lose at Pleiku, it will be very difficult for them to snatch points in away matches.

Da Nang Club and PVF - CAND are also in the danger zone.

HAGL was fortunate because when they faltered, their rivals in the relegation battle, Da Nang FC and PVF - CAND FC, also faced difficulties.

After 17 rounds, Da Nang FC only has 12 points, ranking 13th in the standings, 3 points behind HAGL. The team from the Han River still hasn't been able to improve due to a weaker squad compared to other rivals. In round 17, they suffered a crushing 1-5 defeat against Hanoi Police FC. In this loss, Da Nang FC could only endure the onslaught, lacking the strength to organize attacks to relieve pressure on their defense. Da Nang's difficulty lies in the significant gap between their first and second squads, so coach Le Duc Tuan is unable to turn the tide when the main players perform poorly. Da Nang FC was fortunate to avoid relegation last season thanks to winning the play-off match against First Division team Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc. But this season, if they cannot improve in the final rounds, this once-famous team in Central Vietnam may be relegated to the First Division.

Similarly, PVF - CAND Club also has 12 points, but after 4 matches, they have only earned 1 point despite their best efforts. PVF - CAND also has many young players who lack match experience and composure in crucial moments.

In round 18, PVF - CAND will face the league leaders, Hanoi Police FC, so it's highly likely they will suffer another defeat. Head coach Tran Tien Dai needs to make more sensible decisions regarding player selection so that his team can earn points against more evenly matched opponents, escape the relegation zone, and ultimately secure their survival in the league.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-dua-tru-hang-v-league-van-kho-luong-185260407211055554.htm