A tense round of competition for the bottom group.

The matches of the penultimate round of the V-League 2025-2026 season will take place simultaneously at 6 PM on May 31st.

The results of this round will determine the chances of survival for the bottom teams.

Thanh Hoa and HAGL are still not safe.

From Thanh Hoa with 25 points to PVF-CAND with 18 points, the gap is only equivalent to two wins, meaning any mistake at this point will be very costly. V-League seasons have witnessed spectacular last-minute escapes, and this year is no exception. When the point difference between the bottom teams is not too large, they are forced to enter the match with a do-or-die mentality to save themselves.

Thanh Hoa is in the easiest position among the bottom five teams, with 25 points. They need just one more win to secure their survival in the league, regardless of external factors.

However, coach Mai Xuan Hop's team will face a major challenge and it will be very difficult to achieve their goal when they host Ninh Binh in round 25. The team from the ancient capital is also focusing all its efforts on competing for a top 3 position in the final standings, so they will take advantage of the opportunity to accumulate as many points as possible when competing against a weaker opponent in order to improve their ranking.

HAGL (center) will find it difficult to get 3 points when hosting Hanoi FC. Photo: VPF

Trailing Thanh Hoa by 2 points after 24 rounds, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) is also causing anxiety among fans. The team from Pleiku has made things difficult for itself with a prolonged and uncontrolled decline in form since the second half of the season. Inexperienced players and a lack of composure often cause HAGL to falter at crucial moments. HAGL currently has one of the least effective attacking lines, scoring only 20 goals in 24 matches.

HAGL's match in round 25 is considered a tough challenge as they host Hanoi FC at their home stadium in Pleiku. Despite playing away, Hanoi FC is considered the stronger team due to their superior squad. Hanoi FC currently has the same 45 points as Ninh Binh but is temporarily in third place in the standings thanks to a better goal difference.

If HAGL defeats Hanoi FC, they will almost certainly have a chance to avoid relegation. Conversely, a defeat would put the team owned by Mr. Duc at risk of falling into the play-off group or even finishing last in the table before the final round of matches.

PVF-CAND and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City are trembling.

SHB Da Nang, from the bottom of the table, unexpectedly staged a strong comeback with a three-match unbeaten streak, including two wins. Overcoming Hai Phong FC in round 24 not only improved Da Nang's ranking but also provided a huge psychological boost. More importantly, coach Le Duc Tuan's team only has to face two weaker opponents in the final stretch of the season.

If they maintain their positive momentum when facing Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa in the last two rounds, the team playing at Chi Lang Stadium could pull off a spectacular escape from relegation. Da Nang is currently only 2 points ahead of bottom-placed PVF-CAND, and 1 and 3 points behind Becamex Ho Chi Minh City and HAGL respectively.

Conversely, Becamex TP HCM has suffered a setback at a crucial time. Their recent eight-match winless streak has sent them plummeting into the relegation zone. Most worryingly, Becamex TP HCM's defense has been plagued by individual errors. They will be without veteran defender Ho Tan Tai for their away match against Hanoi Police due to a suspension.

Sitting at the bottom of the table with only 18 points, PVF-CAND is the team most at risk of relegation. However, their chances of turning things around are not yet over, as they face opponents with no motivation left in the final two rounds: Hai Phong and Song Lam Nghe An.

The fortunate draw against The Cong Viettel in round 24 boosted the morale of coach Tran Tien Dai and his team. PVF-CAND no longer has control over their own destiny, so they not only need to win all their remaining matches but also hope that their rivals above them slip up to have any hope of avoiding relegation.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/vong-dau-cang-thang-cua-nhom-cuoi-196260529212041586.htm