The LPBank V-League 2025/26 is entering its final stretch, with just nine rounds remaining. On paper, the title race is still open, as five to six clubs remain mathematically in contention.

In reality, however, the championship appears increasingly within reach of CAHN (Hanoi Police FC), who have built a significant points advantage while maintaining consistent and convincing form.

Under the guidance of coach Mano Polking, CAHN have not only delivered consistent victories but also demonstrated superiority in playing style, squad depth and composure in decisive matches. As their rivals continue to falter, CAHN’s march toward the title seems only a matter of time. Unless an unlikely collapse occurs in the closing rounds, it is difficult to envision a dramatic twist for Dinh Bac and his teammates.

At the other end of the table, the relegation battle remains more competitive, with five to six teams still entangled in the danger zone. Yet, much like the title race, differences in form and points are gradually clarifying the situation. The survival fight is likely to narrow down to two or three clubs, including PVF CAND, SHB Da Nang and HAGL, rather than extending into a chaotic final-round showdown.

In that sense, this season’s V-League is beginning to take on a sense of inevitability. The remaining matches may carry more significance for final rankings than for altering the overall trajectory, as both ends of the table have already formed clear patterns.

No room for relief

In theory, as the domestic race cools, the level of physical intensity on the pitch could decrease. This might offer some reassurance to coach Kim Sang Sik, who is closely monitoring the condition of players in the Vietnam national team pool. In practice, however, the situation is far from simple.

The season is still ongoing, and it takes only a single mistimed challenge or a moment of fatigue for injuries to occur. The risk becomes even greater in the final phase, when players have already endured a dense competition schedule.

As a result, even with the V-League losing some of its competitive edge, each round continues to bring a degree of anxiety for the Vietnam head coach. Shortly after the domestic season concludes, the national team will embark on a crucial campaign at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Any loss of key personnel at this stage could directly affect preparations.

In other words, the apparent predictability of the V-League does not necessarily translate into peace of mind for Kim Sang Sik. On the contrary, it marks a sensitive period where even minor risks can evolve into major concerns.

For now, the Vietnam coach is unlikely to breathe easy - at least not until his core players safely come through the 2025/26 season and are fully ready for the challenge ahead at ASEAN Cup 2026.

Duy Nguyen