Cong Phuong's team has secured a place in the play-offs.

In the final round of the National First Division League, the play-off spot was the most anticipated event for many fans. The championship trophy and direct promotion were awarded to Phu Dong Ninh Binh . Hue FC was relegated.

Only the runner-up position remained, meaning the play-off spot for promotion (against the 13th-placed team in V.League 1) was yet to be decided. Ultimately, Cong Phuong's team achieved it.

The matches of round 22, which took place yesterday afternoon (June 21st), officially concluded the 2024/25 National First Division League. The season was filled with exciting and dramatic matches from the beginning to the very last round…

Phù Đổng Ninh Bình FC set a record in the tournament with an extremely impressive 20-match unbeaten streak, earning 58 points to win the championship and secure a ticket to the V.League 2025/26.

Binh Phuoc Club made history by finishing second, securing a place in the play-off match for a chance to participate in V.League 1-2025/26.

Third place went to PVF-CAND Club with 43 points, just one point behind second-placed Binh Phuoc.

Hue FC accepted a somber defeat as they were relegated to the Second Division after 12 years in the league.

Ninh Binh FC secured the championship title in round 19. However, coach Viet Thang's team still had goals to conquer, namely extending their unbeaten streak to an absolute maximum. And Ninh Binh achieved that by defeating the home team Dong Thap in Cao Lan. With this victory, Ninh Binh became the absolute champion: 20 unbeaten matches (19 wins, 1 draw, no losses), earning 58 points - almost the maximum number of points.

The race for second place in the standings was intense until the final round between Binh Phuoc and PVF-CAND. In that close race, Binh Phuoc overtook their rivals to finish as runners-up with a 3-0 victory over Long An FC, securing their place in the play-off match against the 13th-placed team in the V.League 2024/25 (this match is scheduled to take place on June 27th at Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City).

Binh Phuoc FC has written a historic chapter for the team by winning the silver medal for the first time in the tournament (they won the bronze medal in the 2023/2024 season). It was a challenging journey that tested the team's resilience, including difficult times under the head coach, but they quickly progressed to surpass their highly-rated opponent, PVF-CAND – a team with championship ambitions and a history of finishing as runners-up.

PVF-CAND FC accepted a "delayed" season, failing to finish in the top two, settling for third place despite having a strong and well-coordinated squad. Their dream of playing in V.League 1 will have to wait at least another season. Their victory against Dong Nai FC in the final round was PVF-CAND's last effort in an incredibly tense and exciting race.

In the relegation battle, Hue FC was overtaken by rivals such as Long An, Hoa Binh, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria Vung Tau FC at crucial moments and decisive matches. The team from the ancient capital bid farewell to the league with regret, but they remain a promising young team (average age 21), so there is hope of facing Hue FC again in future seasons.

Tuan Ngoc

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/doi-bong-cua-cong-phuong-co-ve-da-play-off-post552496.html