Round 3 LPBank V-League 1-2025/26: Newcomers soar, former champions lose ground

In turn, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Dong A Thanh Hoa and most recentlySHB Da Nang became victims of Phu Dong Ninh Binh. Three victories with three different scenarios, but all demonstrated the ability to seize opportunities very well of the team from the ancient capital.

As the “king” of the First Division last season, Ninh Binh has invested heavily in the race after being promoted to the V-League. They own a series of stars, the most prominent name is Vietnam national team midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, under the guidance of Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo.

Phu Dong Ninh Binh is becoming a "contemporary" in V-League with 3 consecutive wins.

But few people imagined that Ninh Binh is sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 3 consecutive wins. Meanwhile, the defending champion Nam Dinh struggled somewhat after a surprising loss to SLNA in round 2. Coach Vu Hong Viet and his team only managed to get back into the race with a heart-stopping victory over PVF-CAND in this round.

Ninh Binh's rise signals an exciting season ahead, in the context of V-League having witnessed many miraculous stories associated with rookies.

Mr. Makoto's chair was burning hot.

“This is a sad result, I came to help Hanoi FC win the championship but the current results are not good. The decision on my position will be made by the club's leadership” - this is the statement of coach Makoto after Hanoi FC's humiliating 2-4 loss to Hanoi Police at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of August 28.

Mr. Hien's team let the opponent score 4 goals and only got 2 back in the last minutes, partly because Hanoi Police were not as careful as before. In the previous two matches, Hanoi FC had shown a lackluster performance when they lost to Ho Chi Minh City Police on the opening day, then continued to be held to a draw by HAGL right at Hang Day.

Hanoi FC is having a difficult start to this season.

The decline of Hanoi FC in recent years is quite clear when they can no longer maintain their dominance and advantage in the championship race. Last season, Van Quyet and his teammates had a good sprint to finish in the runner-up position. It seemed like this was a good sign for the return of Hanoi FC, but with the current poor start, the old worries have returned.

The lack of real stars in attack, instability on the coaching bench or the departure of stars like Nguyen Quang Hai and Doan Van Hau may just be the tip of the iceberg in Mr. Hien's team.

With only 1 point after 3 rounds like Hanoi FC, HAGL, Dong A Thanh Hoa and SHB Da Nang have different feelings, which is the uncertainty in a very fierce season. This could be the year that V-League makes it difficult for even the best experts to predict the possible scenarios for the teams, both on and off the field.

FPT Play is the only unit to broadcast the entire LPBank V.League 1-2025/26, at https://fptplay.vn