HAGL still has the possibility of relegation: 1% is also a risk

With 28 points, HAGL is still uncertain about staying in V-League 2024 - 2025.

HAGL is still at risk of having to play play-off

With 28 points after 24 matches, HAGL is 7 points ahead of the play-off position in the V-League. The ninth position and relatively safe distance help coach Le Quang Trai and his team "breathe easier" in the rest of the season.

However, that does not mean that HAGL has stayed in the league. The mountain town team is 7 points ahead of the bottom-placed Da Nang Club (with 2 games left in the season), meaning there is no longer a risk of direct relegation. However, there is still a possibility that the mountain town team will finish the season in 13th place, meaning they will have to play a play-off with the runner-up of the first division, to find a way to survive in the V-League.

V-League rankings after round 24

PHOTO: VPF

The possibility of HAGL having to play the play-off will occur if all of the following conditions occur: HAGL loses the remaining 2 matches against Quang Nam and SLNA; Binh Dinh Club wins at least 7 points in the remaining 3 matches (against Hanoi Police Club, Ho Chi Minh City Club and Hanoi Club); SLNA wins all 2 remaining matches (against HAGL and Da Nang); Ho Chi Minh City Club wins at least 3 points in the remaining 2 matches (against Binh Dinh and The Cong Viettel); Quang Nam Club wins against HAGL and has at least 1 point against Nam Dinh.

If the above results happen at the same time, HAGL will only have 28 points, Binh Dinh Club will have from 28 to 30 points, Ho Chi Minh City Club will have at least 28 points, Quang Nam Club will have at least 29 points, SLNA will also have 29 points.

Highlight HAGL Club 2-2 Da Nang Club | Round 24 V-League 2024-2025

In case of equal points with Binh Dinh or Ho Chi Minh City, HAGL will have to compare head-to-head results to determine the ranking according to the tournament regulations. In terms of head-to-head results, HAGL is inferior to both Binh Dinh and Ho Chi Minh City (1 draw, 1 loss). Therefore, if they end the season with the same score as one of these two teams, coach Le Quang Trai and his team will definitely be ranked lower.

The probability of the above results happening at the same time is very low. However, to decide their fate to stay in V-League next season, HAGL still needs more points.

HAGL is not safe yet

PHOTO: KHA HOA

Conditions for HAGL to stay in the league

To avoid the play-off, HAGL needs to win 1 more point in the remaining 2 matches.

In the last 2 matches, the mountain town team will meet 2 teams that are thirsty for points, SLNA (23 points) and Quang Nam (25 points). Against opponents who still have the motivation to fight, it will not be easy for HAGL to get even a draw.

In the last 3 matches against relegation teams, HAGL drew with Da Nang (2-2), lost to Ho Chi Minh City (0-1) and Binh Dinh (1-2).

However, winning 1 point is still within reach of HAGL, especially in the final match against Quang Nam at home ground Pleiku. At the "fortress" Pleiku, coach Le Quang Trai and his team have won 10 points in the last 5 matches (won 3, drawn 1, lost 1).

Schedule of the remaining 2 matches of HAGL

PHOTO: VPF

HAGL could even stay in the league early if Binh Dinh FC loses to Hanoi Police FC in the make-up match, which will take place at 6 p.m. on May 30. Because then, Binh Dinh FC can only win a maximum of 27 points this season, not surpassing HAGL's 28 points.

Last season, HAGL had to wait until the final round to escape the play-off spot, when the mountain town team defeated Hai Phong FC at home ground Pleiku. Looking at the bigger picture, since 2015, HAGL has continuously fallen into the relegation race. If not counting the 2021 season (cancelled due to the pandemic), only the 2020 and 2022 seasons will HAGL not have to worry about relegation.

In addition to efforts to stay in the league, HAGL also needs to renew its squad from next season. Midfielder Tran Minh Vuong will leave the team after the 2024-2025 V-League ends. The 30-year-old player's destination is likely to be Binh Phuoc Club, a team that is fiercely competing for the runner-up position in the first division, meaning a ticket to the play-off with the 13th-ranked team in the V-League.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hagl-van-con-kha-nang-xuong-hang-1-cung-la-nguy-co-185250529074700844.htm