Hai Phong beat Ho Chi Minh City Police 2-1, moving up to the top 3 in V-League.
Despite having a squad worth 2.8 million Euros, Hai Phong won 3 consecutive matches, reaching 17 points after 9 rounds, 4 points behind Ninh Binh FC; the 2-1 victory against Ho Chi Minh City Police was also the 50th win for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem.
A 2-1 victory at Thong Nhat Stadium against Ho Chi Minh City Police propelled Hai Phong to third place after nine rounds of the V-League 2025/26 with 17 points, just four points behind league leaders Ninh Binh FC. Remarkably, the Hai Phong team boasts a squad valued at approximately €2.8 million by Transfermarkt, the fifth lowest among the 14 participating clubs.
From a €2.8 million squad to a top 3 finish in the V-League 2025/26.
According to Transfermarkt, Hai Phong's squad value is approximately 2.8 million Euros, six times lower than Nam Dinh's and among the five lowest-valued clubs in the league. Along with HAGL, they are one of two teams whose squad value has decreased compared to the previous season. Given their modest financial resources, their rise to the top three is a result that exceeds expectations.
The victory at Thong Nhat Stadium also completed a three-match winning streak for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team, consolidating their points tally and boosting the morale of a team that prioritizes discipline and efficiency.
The attack has scored 18 goals in 9 rounds, filling the void left by Lucao.
Even without Lucao – one of the top scorers in V-League 2024 – Hai Phong still showcased a fiery attacking style with 18 goals. Foreign players like Tagueu and Fred Friday, along with domestic players such as Manh Dung and Viet Hung, created a multi-point attacking force, helping the team maintain attacking energy and unpredictability in the final third of the pitch.
The highlight of their performance lies in their ability to transition into attack very quickly. Upon regaining possession, the team moves in unison, opening up opportunities to penetrate open spaces before the opponent can reorganize. This tempo forces the opponent to defend deep or accept gaps on the flanks, thereby creating early scoring opportunities.
Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm's hallmark: discipline, spirit, and teamwork.
Under the guidance of an experienced coach, Hai Phong displayed a tenacious fighting spirit, a compact formation, and high discipline. While lacking expensive star players, they compensated with a tight collective structure: from proactive defensive support to explosive counter-attacks, every link in the chain had a clear role.
It is this cohesion that has helped Hai Phong overcome stronger opponents on numerous occasions. When the match demands patience, the team maintains its rhythm and minimizes errors; when opportunities arise, they accelerate decisively – true to the spirit of "rapid transitions" that has become their tactical signature.
Key numbers
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Total squad value (Transfermarkt) | ~2.8 million Euros |
| Position after 9 rounds | 3rd place |
| Score | 17 points |
| The gap with Ninh Binh FC | 4 points |
| series of matches | Win 3 consecutive matches |
| Goals scored | 18 tables |
| Key results | Ho Chi Minh City Police team defeated 2-1 (at Thong Nhat Stadium) |
| Squad value compared to Nam Dinh | Six times lower |
| Pricing trends | Down compared to last season (with HAGL) |
Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm's milestone: 50 wins.
The victory against Ho Chi Minh City Police marked the 50th win for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem as head coach of Hai Phong. Over 122 matches, he has accumulated 184 points – the foundation for a team with a distinct identity and enduring competitiveness.
Race prospects
From a team once underestimated in terms of transfer value, Hai Phong is proving its true worth lies in its effectiveness on the field. If they continue to maintain their current form, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team has the right to dream of a championship race – something that was unforeseen by experts before the season began.
