V.League 2025-2026 has officially kicked off with exciting matches and many surprises.
The 4 teams classified as championship candidates, Hanoi Police, The Cong Viettel, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and Hanoi FC, have brought contrasting appearances to each other.
The highlight match in round 1 of V.League 2025-2026 between Hanoi Police and The Cong Viettel did not disappoint fans. The two teams entered the match with a determined spirit, choosing to play an attacking double from the start - especially the army team - instead of playing exploration matches as usual.
The Cong Viettel's opening goal from Lucao's technical header showed that they had carefully prepared their attack plans and took advantage of the foreign players' ability to score.
However, Hanoi Police also proved their class. After conceding the goal, coach Polking's students took the lead, coordinated more attacks and quickly changed their state. At many times, the ball only rolled on the opponent's side of the field, overwhelming The Cong Viettel's defense.
It was a pity that Hanoi Police only had 1 equalizer from Alan's sharp goal. The home team at Hang Day Stadium also missed a series of unfortunate opportunities despite attacking slightly better than the opposing team.
In the second half, the two teams played high-level pressing, organizing a scientific defense. The ability of both sides to switch between attack and defense was well demonstrated. Therefore, both Hanoi Police and The Cong Viettel could not penetrate the opponent's net once more.
The 1-1 draw reflects the game in the correct situation, showing that Hanoi Police and The Cong Viettel both have squad depth. They both sent a strong message to the upcoming long-distance championship race.
In contrast to the two teams above, Nam Dinh had a rather difficult opening match against Hai Phong, despite having a force considered the best in the current V.League with a series of expensive contracts.
Nam Dinh still maintains an active attacking style of play, but their weakness is in taking advantage of opportunities. Brenner and his teammates continuously missed good situations, causing the team to fall into a chasing position after Luiz Antonio opened the score for Hai Phong.
Although he successfully reversed the score with goals from Hoang Anh and Kevin Pham Ba, the defending champion's performance needs to improve, and the players also need to " warm up" faster.
In the context of the team from Thanh Nam having to fight in 4 arenas this season, maintaining physical strength, tactical depth and efficiency is a problem that needs to find a suitable solution.
Among the championship candidates, Hanoi FC brought great disappointment. Despite strong investment and always receiving expectations from fans, the capital team showed a weak face in the away match against Ho Chi Minh City Police.
The lack of cohesion in the playing style when the attack line was not strong enough to put pressure, the defense continuously made mistakes, causing Hanoi FC to fall 2 goals behind in less than 30 minutes.
Although Van Tung scored an equalizer in the 84th minute, that late effort was not enough to solve the problems of tactics, playing style, and concentration that Hanoi FC is facing.
The ineffectiveness of attack plans, the strikers have not found the feeling of the ball as well as the gap in the defense is something that the Hanoi FC coaching staff needs to quickly overcome if they do not want to continue to be left behind in the championship race.
