VietNamNet Bridge – The 25th round of the 2015 V-League concluded last weekend witnessing Dong Thap and Hoang Anh Gia Lai successfully escape from relegation. Below We review the major talked about points in this second-last round of play.  

Hoang Anh Gia Lai (in blue) and Dong Thap (in pink) have escaped from being relegated to the First Division next year.

1. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Dong Thap officially escape relegation

The goalless draw against Dong Tam Long An on September 13 extended Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s unbeaten run to four matches under the leadership of manager Nguyen Quoc Tuan, securing them enough points to retain their place in next year’s V-League season. Dong Thap also enjoyed successful relegation escape following their 1-1 tie with XSKT Can Tho on the same day.

2. Dong Nai on verge of relegation

Dong Nai remained at bottom of the V-League ladders with 21 points as the 25th round finished on Sunday - three points below XSKT Can Tho - their direct opponent for the remaining position in the 2016 V-League. A win in the last round will be a must for Dong Nai to escape from relegation; however, it is expected to be a very tough mission for Dong Nai as their last opponents will be Quang Ninh Coal, who are sitting fifth in the current standings.

3. Hanoi T&T, ‘king’ of home field

Hanoi T&T is the only team to remain unbeaten on home field thus far in the 2015 V-League season. Throughout the previous 13 matches at Hang Day Stadium, the T&T team achieved nine wins and four draws, earning a total of 31 points - the largest among other participating teams.

4. Newly-crowned champions suffer heavy home-field loss

Becamex Binh Duong, reigning and also newly-crowned champions of the V-League, experienced a bitter 1-3 defeat to QNK Quang Nam on home field last weekend. Despite possessing a lineup of several star players, Binh Duong fell behind with Patiyo’s goal before conceding two more from Thanh Trung and Thanh Hung. It was also the heaviest home-field defeat of Binh Duong this season.

5. Patiyo, Van Thang continue leading the scoring tally

The curtain is soon to come down on the 2015 V-League with just one match to go. Patiyo of QNK Quang Nam is on the very close edge of claiming this year’s ‘top scorer’ title with 18 goals. Le Van Thang of Thanh Hoa is also prevailing in the race for the ‘top domestic scorer’ title with 16 goals, at least two goals more than other competitors.

Nhan Dan