Ajax's defeat serves as a lesson for Nam Dinh Club.

Nam Dinh has the opportunity to win the championship for the second time - Photo: Thep Xanh Nam Dinh .

Throughout the history of world football, there have been numerous instances where teams seemingly had the championship in their grasp unexpectedly lost it all at crucial moments. One prime example is Ajax in the 2024/25 Eredivisie season.

Before round 29, the Amsterdam team led the table, 9 points ahead of PSV. Experts and fans were almost certain Ajax would win the championship. However, the unthinkable happened.

From rounds 30 to 33, Ajax unexpectedly faltered, only managing 2 points from 4 matches (2 draws, 2 losses). The peak of disappointment came in round 33 when Ajax faced Groningen, a team lacking motivation and playing with ten men from early on. Despite leading 2-1 until the 90+8th minute, Ajax conceded a 2-2 equalizer in the final minute of injury time. From being the top contender, Ajax had to watch PSV overtake them and claim the title in a bitter defeat.

Ajax's story serves as a cautionary tale for any team on the verge of glory. Returning to the V.League this season, Nam Dinh is in a similar position. After a crushing 6-1 victory against HAGL in round 23, the team from Nam Dinh has 48 points, 5 points ahead of their closest pursuer, Hanoi FC. With only 3 rounds remaining in the V.League, many believe that coach Vu Hong Viet's team has one hand on their second championship title in history.

However, a five-point lead is far from safe, especially in a league like the V.League, which is always full of surprises. Despite having the advantage in both points and schedule (only facing SLNA, Quang Nam, and Ha Tinh), Nam Dinh must still be cautious. Conversely, Hanoi, although facing strong teams like CAHN, The Cong Viettel, and Binh Dinh, has consistent form and many players who can shine at the right moment.

Nam Định leads the league table - Photo: VPF.

Nam Định's next match will be against SLNA, who just won 1-0 against Hà Tĩnh. This shows that the Nghệ An team is not easily defeated, even though they are at the bottom of the table. If Nam Định approaches the match with an overly confident mindset, dropping points is entirely possible.

Most importantly, it's the psychological factor. Once the gap is narrowed, the pressure from the media, fans, and even within the team itself becomes a heavy burden. Ajax collapsed not because they lacked ability, but because they couldn't keep a cool head at the right time. Nam Dinh needs to avoid making the same mistake.

On the positive side, Nam Dinh still holds its destiny in its own hands and has all the elements to win the championship, such as consistent form, confidence, a favorable schedule, and a well-balanced squad. But football is not mathematics, and advantage does not guarantee the final result.

If they want to rightfully claim the title, Coach Vu Hong Viet's team must not only defeat their opponents on the field, but also overcome the ever-growing shadow of expectations behind them. Any complacency at this point could cost them the entire season's efforts. Three matches, 270 minutes, and resilience – that's what Nam Dinh needs to avoid becoming "the V.League version of Ajax" and to end the season in the most glorious way possible.

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