Leading the race
Before round 21 of V.League 2024-2025, Nam Dinh was only 2 points ahead of Hanoi FC. But in the direct confrontation at Hang Day Stadium, the team from Thanh Nam showed their class when defeating the representative of the Capital with a score of 3-0. This result helps Nam Dinh widen the gap by 5 points compared to Hanoi - the team chasing behind in 2nd place.
Coach Vu Hong Viet's team also has a big gap with the teams ranked 3rd to 5th with scores ranging from 6 to 12. In case Hanoi Police (29 points, ranked 6th) wins the make-up match, the difference between Nam Dinh and the Police team could be 7 points.
The above statistics show a favorable factor for Nam Dinh, which is the highest self-determination in the V.League championship 2024-2025. Even when one of the matches, the chance to decide the throne still belongs to them. That is why after Nam Dinh defeated Hanoi on the evening of 4.5, many Viet Viettel fans or Hanoi Police shook their heads to admit that it was difficult to create a turning point in the race to the finish.
In addition to the advantage of more points than direct competitors, Nam Dinh also has a favorable schedule in the last 5 rounds. From now until the end of the V.League, Nguyen Manh and his teammates will meet Thanh Hoa, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Song Lam Nghe An, Quang Nam and Hong Linh Ha Tinh respectively. Thanh Hoa and Hong Linh Ha Tinh have already completed their goals for this year's season.
In addition, Nam Dinh will host these two teams at Thien Truong Stadium. The task of winning all 6 points is within the capabilities of coach Vu Hong Viet and his team. Nam Dinh's knot is 3 matches with 3 clubs competing for relegation tickets including Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Nam.
Nam Dinh's caution
On the rankings, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Nam are sharing 3 positions from 10 to 12. Their gap compared to the second-placed team Binh Dinh ranges from 1 to 5 points. It should be added that Binh Dinh still has 1 match left to play. If they defeat Hanoi Police in the make-up match (June), the team from the land of martial arts will push Song Lam Nghe An to the position of having to compete for a ticket to avoid relegation (play-off).
In fact, Quang Nam and Hoang Anh Gia Lai are not really safe. Regardless of any shakes in the last 5 rounds, these teams will pay the price.
Although Nam Dinh is more classy and very favorable in the championship race, it still needs to be on guard against teams in the same situation. Remember, the team from Thanh Nam will have to visit Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Nam in rounds 24 and 25. These will be key matches that will decide Nam Dinh's early championship.
Speaking after the 3-0 victory over Hanoi FC, coach Vu Hong Viet was proud but still cautious: "Nam Dinh Club played beyond expectations. After this victory, we have an advantage in the championship race. But if we analyze carefully, there are still opportunities for the 3 teams, we still have to prepare carefully for the upcoming matches".
Coach Vu Hong Viet also told his students not to fly so much after the victory over Hanoi. This message was also shared by defender Nguyen Van Vi with the media: Teacher Viet told us that every match at this stage is a final. The team will have to focus all their efforts to achieve the goal. That is to successfully defend the championship title".
Compared to competitors such as: Cong An Ha Noi, The Cong Viettel and Ha Noi, Nam Dinh have many opportunities to be crowned, because the above 3 teams still have to face each other in the final stages of the season. Any result that occurs will help Nam Dinh improve their chances of lifting the V.League Championship Cup for the second time.
