When the scales begin to tip

VHO - Round 14 of the LPBank V.League 1-2025/26 is not simply the opening round of the second half of the season. It's like a "drawing line" for the rest of the season, where stability, composure, and squad depth begin to make a clear difference.

What has happened shows that the V.League is entering a phase where mistakes will be costly, and opportunities are not for teams lacking consistency.

V.League standings after 14 rounds

The derby between The Cong Viettel and Hanoi FC is a prime example of the tactical trend dominating the top teams: prioritizing risk control over explosive performances. It's no coincidence that such an emotionally charged match was decided by a single goal.

The Cong won not because they played better offensively, but because they played true to their identity: discipline, solidity, and capitalizing on moments. Huu Thang's goal was a reward for a patient game, where The Cong Viettel accepted giving up control but always maintained a reasonable team formation.

Conversely, Hanoi FC continues to expose its old problem: a lack of dynamism in big matches. Without the advantage of ball circulation speed and individual creativity seen in their peak seasons, Hanoi FC is struggling against opponents who play organized defense. This defeat not only cost them points but also shows that the journey back to the top will not be short.

Nam Dinh's comeback against Ninh Binh meant more than just a three-point victory. It reflected the delicate line between crisis and resurgence. Trailing 2-0 in the first half, and having just changed their head coach, Nam Dinh faced the risk of collapse. But what makes the difference for a former champion team is not the game itself, but how they react when faced with adversity. Akolo's goal before halftime was a psychological boost, while Xuan Son and Kevin Pham Ba demonstrated the value of individuals who know how to step up at the right moment.

Conversely, Ninh Binh is putting itself in a difficult position. Three consecutive losses, including matches where they took the lead, show that their problem is no longer purely technical but has shifted to psychological aspects and their ability to manage the game. A team aiming for the championship cannot afford to continuously squander their advantage like this.

If we needed to find a model for the concept of a "true championship contender" at this point, CAHN is the clearest answer. Their victory against HAGL is a prime example of how CAHN accumulates points: they don't need to win beautifully, but they always win at the right time.

What's noteworthy isn't just the score or the number of goals, but how CAHN handled the situation. When trailing, they didn't panic. When facing a deadlock, they had a Plan B, even a Plan C. The brilliance of players like Minh Phúc and China Alves shows that CAHN's squad depth is superior to the rest of the league.

Coach Alexandre Polking's tactical stability, coupled with effective rotation, is giving CAHN the feeling of Hanoi FC in the 2018 season, a season where the championship was practically decided very early on. A 7-point lead isn't mathematically huge, but it's very significant psychologically.

Behind CAHN, The Cong Viettel, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi FC all have reasons to regret their performance. The Cong Viettel is strong in organization but lacks consistency throughout. Ninh Binh faltered at a crucial stage. Hanoi FC is still in the process of rebuilding and has yet to rediscover its clear identity. The biggest problem for this group is that they not only have to win, but also have to hope CAHN slips up, which is becoming increasingly unlikely given how the league leaders are accumulating points.

In the lower half of the table, Round 14 was a turning point with victories for SHB Da Nang and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang's win against PVF-CAND not only narrowed the gap but also affirmed their refusal to give up. Meanwhile, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City continued its surprising form with impressive away performances, a paradoxical bright spot in the league. The relegation battle therefore promises to be just as fierce as the championship race, where every mistake could cost the entire season.

Round 14 showed that the 2025/26 V.League is no longer a game of fleeting emotions. This is a phase of character, depth, and stability. CAHN currently holds a significant advantage, but football is always full of variables. What is certain is that from this point on, every match will have the value of a "final" for both the top and bottom of the table. And that is what makes the V.League so uniquely attractive.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/khi-can-can-bat-dau-nghieng-208535.html