Last weekend, V.League 2025-2026 kicked off with remarkable and surprising results, true to the inherently unpredictable nature of Vietnamese football. Right on the starting line, before the ratings could be used, fans witnessed the contrasting colors: The sublimation of the new "dark horses", the struggles of the big guys and even the painful falls.
Ninh Binh and PVF-CAND are two names that made a strong impression. They were all in the First Division last season. The ancient capital team had a confident debut when defeating Hong Linh Ha Tinh right on the away field. Remember that, in the entire 2024-2025 season, the Hong Mountain team has only lost 4 matches (drawing 15 matches), of which they are unbeaten in the first leg. Meanwhile, PVF-CAND - promoted with a surprise ticket despite being 3rd in the First Division, caused sadness for Song Lam Nghe An - a team with many young players.
These two victories both carry the appearance of a "phenomenon" - a spice that is always there and needed in every tournament, not just the V.League. Ho Chi Minh City Police is a new name in a long and volatile history, and can also become a "phenomenon" for coach Huynh Duc and striker Tien Linh. But it should also be noted that the earlier a surprise is caused, the earlier it gets noticed by the opponent. The journey ahead promises many difficulties.
In the championship candidate group, Hanoi Police, Hanoi FC and The Cong Viettel have not won. The start was not very smooth, but not to the point that experts have to worry. Their strength, bravery and depth are still enough to break away when the season comes to the penultimate stage.
On the contrary, the biggest concern belongs to Hoang Anh Gia Lai. The 0-3 loss to Becamex HCMC right at Pleiku shows that the team from the Mountain City may have to face a tournament with many storms. Of course, it is equally worrying that there are two representatives from the Central region, along with real worries.
Although it is only the first round, the V.League picture has outlined 3 basic groups: The group of bright candidates, the group of black horses and the group most likely to have a hard time in the relegation battle. These details can be what holds the audience's feet through each round! ?
