The V-League relegation battle has taken a spectacular turn.

From being in a precarious situation, Da Nang FC and PVF-CAND now have a good chance of avoiding relegation if they win both of their remaining V-League 2025-2026 matches.

Da Nang FC staged another spectacular survival in the league?

Da Nang FC staged a historic comeback in the relegation battle last season. Despite being bottom of the table for more than half the season and changing three coaches, the team from the Han River still secured safety by winning four of their last seven matches, earning 14 points to climb from the bottom to a play-off position. After that, coach Le Duc Tuan's team dramatically defeated Dong Nai FC to avoid relegation.

History is repeating itself this season, only this time Da Nang FC isn't changing coaches as often as they change clothes. The former V-League champions are languishing in the relegation zone; however, instead of replacing their coach, Da Nang has recruited talent to strengthen their squad. Lucas Ribamar, Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyen Van Toan… have arrived in droves, helping Da Nang to rise again. With his extensive experience and sharp passing vision, Ngoc Hai shines in his defensive midfield role, while Milan Makaric (10 goals) takes charge of scoring. Da Nang FC has won 2 out of their last 3 matches, half the number of wins the team has achieved in the entire V-League season. Winning less but at the right time is enough. Coach Le Duc Tuan and his players learned this lesson last season and are applying it, even at a higher level, now that they have the opportunity to avoid the play-off spot and secure direct relegation survival.

Minh Khoa (10) and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City are likely to be relegated.

PHOTO: KHA HOA

Da Nang holds its destiny in its own hands. With 20 points after 22 matches, Ngoc Hai and his teammates are 2 points ahead of bottom-placed PVF-CAND, 1 point behind Becamex Ho Chi Minh City (12th place) and 3 points behind HAGL (11th place). The two teams above Da Nang are both in a difficult situation, with poor form and a tough schedule in the remaining two rounds. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will play away against the newly crowned champions Hanoi Police FC in round 25 at Hang Day Stadium, while HAGL will play at home but face Hanoi FC, a team fiercely competing for a top 3 spot. In the final round, HAGL and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will face each other in Binh Duong, meaning one or both teams risk relegation.

Da Nang FC only needs to win 4-6 points in their last two matches to have a clear path to survival. Compared to their two rivals above them, the former V-League champions have a much easier schedule. Da Nang will play away at Ha Tinh in round 25, then host Thanh Hoa at home in the final round. Both Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa, although tough opponents, have nothing left to play for as they are not caught in the relegation battle. If they improve their finishing ability and defensive focus, Da Nang FC will be safe.

Who can save Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC?

The clash against SLNA in round 24 at home was an opportunity for Becamex TP.HCM to pull ahead, but coach Hua Hien Vinh's team missed it, losing 0-1. It was a humiliating defeat, with no excuses given the overall weakness of the TP.HCM team. Their defense was leaky and prone to errors (goalkeeper Minh Toan had to make numerous saves), and their attack was ineffective without a striker to create chances. Ho Tan Tai's red card after a brutal foul revealed the chaotic and dark state of a team that was once one of the strongest in the V-League. A mere 3 points from their last 8 matches is sending Becamex TP.HCM straight towards… the First Division.

HAGL faces the risk of relegation if they lose to Hanoi FC in the next round. Their poor form (1 point in the last 3 matches) has dragged them down the table. However, unlike teams like Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, HAGL's decline is due to a youth rejuvenation program, almost their only option given their limited resources. From a safe position, both HAGL and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City are now at great risk of being relegated. That's why the V-League is so unforgiving!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dua-tru-hang-v-league-dao-chieu-ngoan-muc-185260525210803175.htm