Becamex TPHCM vs. SLNA: A battle for survival at Go Dau Stadium.
Round 24 of the V-League 2025/26 witnessed a highly strategic clash between Becamex TPHCM and SLNA, where both teams are striving to avoid relegation in the race to stay in the league.
At 6:00 PM on May 24th, Go Dau Stadium will become the focal point of Round 24 of the V-League 2025/26 with the clash between Becamex Ho Chi Minh City and SLNA. This is considered a crucial "relegation battle" for both historically significant teams as they strive to remain in Vietnam's top football league.
Crisis of confidence in the capital city.
Once a powerhouse of Vietnamese football, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City is currently experiencing the darkest period in the club's history. Their 2-4 defeat against Hai Phong in the previous round extended their winless streak to seven matches. With only 21 points, their 12th place position, just one point behind Da Nang FC (second to last), is putting immense pressure on the home team.
Becamex Ho Chi Minh City's Achilles' heel lies in their disjointed defense, which frequently loses concentration in aerial situations or transitions. Meanwhile, their attack has been ineffective, missing numerous golden opportunities in previous disappointing draws.
SLNA and the challenge of preserving their advantage.
On the other side of the battlefield, the Nghe An team, despite holding a points advantage, cannot rest easy. SLNA enters this match with extreme caution. The pressure to get points to maintain a safe distance from the bottom of the table forces the visiting team's coach to prioritize defensive solidity in their own half before thinking about scoring goals.
Historically, SLNA holds a psychological advantage after their 2-1 victory in the first leg. However, this trip to Go Dau Stadium promises to be fraught with uncertainty as their opponent is backed into a corner.
Team situation and expected lineup
Both teams suffered significant personnel losses due to suspensions. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City were without striker Viet Cuong, who played a crucial role in holding up the ball and linking up play. Meanwhile, SLNA lost their number one goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, forcing them to rely on reserve goalkeeper Huu Hau in a match of such importance.
| Information | Becamex Ho Chi Minh City | SLNA |
|---|---|---|
| Diagram | 4-4-2 | 4-2-3-1 |
| Goalkeeper | Minh Toan | Huu Hau |
| Defense | Trung Hieu, Hoang Hung, Milos, Thanh Nhan | Van Huy, Van Khanh, Julian Garcia, Quang Tu |
| Midfield | Thanh Kien, Thanh Hau, Hong Quan, Van Anh | Khac Ngoc, Ba Quyen, Van Luong, Manh Quynh |
| Attack | Vi Hao, Oduanyi | Reon Moore, Olaha |
Tactical analysis and disruptive factors
With the home advantage, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will likely take the initiative and push forward from the start. Coach Hua Hien Vinh's tactics will focus on exploiting the speed of the players on both flanks. The target of crosses will be foreign player Odeenyi – who possesses a superior physique to execute aerial duels.
Bui Vi Hao will be the most exciting player to watch on the home side at Go Dau Stadium. The young star's agility and decisive finishing ability could be the key to victory. Conversely, SLNA will rely on the experience of Michael Olaha. This striker is not only good at scoring goals but also provides a solid foundation for the visitors to launch quick counter-attacks.
The midfield will be the most intense area, where Thanh Hau and veteran Khac Ngoc will compete in their ability to control the tempo. Whichever team controls the midfield will have a greater chance of dominating the game and gaining an advantage in this survival race.
Predicted result: Becamex TPHCM 1-1 SLNA
