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

Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Dong A Thanh Hoa, and most recentlySHB Da Nang have all fallen victim to Phu Dong Ninh Binh. Three victories with three different scenarios, but all demonstrate the excellent ability of the team from the ancient capital to seize opportunities.

Having been the "kings" of the First Division last season, Ninh Binh has invested heavily in the race after being promoted to the V-League. They boast a host of stars, the most prominent name being Vietnam national team midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, under the guidance of Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo.

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

But few could have imagined Ninh Binh would be comfortably sitting at the top of the table with three consecutive wins. Meanwhile, defending champions Nam Dinh are struggling somewhat after a surprising loss to SLNA in round 2. Coach Vu Hong Viet's team only managed to get back into the race with a nail-biting victory against PVF-CAND in this round.

Ninh Binh's surge signals an exciting season ahead, especially considering the V-League has witnessed numerous miraculous stories involving newly promoted teams.

Mr. Makoto's chair is burning hot.

"This is a disappointing result. I came to help Hanoi FC win the championship, but the current results are not good. The decision regarding my position will be made by the club's management," said coach Makoto after Hanoi FC's humiliating 2-4 defeat against Hanoi Police FC at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of August 28th.

Mr. Hien's team conceded 4 goals and only managed to score 2 in the final minutes, partly because Hanoi Police became complacent and no longer defended as tightly as before. In the two previous matches, Hanoi FC had displayed lackluster form, losing to Ho Chi Minh City Police on the opening day, and then being held to a draw by HAGL right at Hang Day Stadium.

Hanoi FC is having a difficult start to the season.

Hanoi FC's decline in recent years is quite evident, as they have failed to maintain their dominance and advantage in the championship race. Last season, Van Quyet and his teammates had a strong run to finish as runners-up. This seemed like a positive sign for Hanoi FC's return, but with their current poor start, old worries have resurfaced.

The lack of true attacking stars, the instability on the coaching bench, or the departure of stars like Nguyen Quang Hai and Doan Van Hau may only be the tip of the iceberg at Chairman Hien's team.

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

FPT Play is the only platform broadcasting the entire LPBank V.League 1-2025/26 season, at https://fptplay.vn