Hai Phong beat CA TP.HCM 2-1, jumped to top 3 V-League
The squad cost 2.8 million Euros but Hai Phong won 3 consecutive matches, reaching 17 points after 9 rounds, 4 points behind Ninh Binh FC; the 2-1 match against CA TP.HCM was also the 50th victory of coach Chu Dinh Nghiem.
The 2-1 victory at Thong Nhat Stadium against CA TP.HCM brought Hai Phong to 3rd place after 9 rounds of V-League 2025/26 with 17 points, only 4 points behind the leading team Ninh Binh FC. What's special: the Hai Phong team only owns a squad valued by Transfermarkt at about 2.8 million Euros, the 5th lowest among 14 clubs participating in the tournament.
From 2.8 million Euro squad to top 3 V-League 2025/26
According to Transfermarkt, the total value of Hai Phong's squad is about 2.8 million Euros, 6 times lower than Nam Dinh's and among the 5 lowest clubs in the league. Along with HAGL, they are one of two teams whose squad value has decreased compared to last season. On a modest financial basis, breaking into the top 3 teams is a result beyond expectations.
The victory at Thong Nhat also completed a 3-match winning streak for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his team, strengthening the points fund and psychological momentum for a team that focuses on discipline and efficiency.
The attack scored 18 goals after 9 rounds, filling the void left by Lucao.
Without Lucao – one of the top scorers of V-League 2024 – Hai Phong still showed a fiery attacking style with 18 goals. Foreign players such as Tagueu, Fred Friday and domestic players including Manh Dung, Viet Hung created a multi-point attack, helping the team maintain attacking energy and breakthroughs in the final third of the field.
The professional highlight lies in the ability to transition to an attacking state very quickly. When winning the ball back, the team moves in sync, opening up options to enter the space before the opponent has time to reorganize. This rhythm forces the opponent to defend deep or accept the space on the flanks, thereby creating opportunities to finish early.
Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's mark: discipline, spirit and teamwork
Under the guidance of an experienced coach, Hai Phong showed a resilient fighting spirit, compact formation and high discipline. Although they do not possess many expensive stars, they compensate with a tight collective structure: from active defensive support to explosive counter-attacks, every link has a clear role.
It is the cohesion that helps Hai Phong overcome opponents with stronger potential many times. When the match scenario requires patience, the team keeps the rhythm, limiting errors; when the opportunity appears, they accelerate decisively - true to the spirit of "extremely fast state transition" that has become a tactical signature.
Key numbers
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Total squad value (Transfermarkt) | ~2.8 million Euros |
| Position after 9 laps | 3rd place |
| Score | 17 points |
| Distance to Ninh Binh FC | 4 points |
| Series of matches | Win 3 games in a row |
| Goals scored | 18 goals |
| Key results | Won 2-1 against CA TP.HCM (Thong Nhat Stadium) |
| Team value compared to Nam Dinh | 6 times lower |
| Pricing trends | Decreased compared to last season (with HAGL) |
Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's 50-win milestone
The victory over CA TP.HCM marked Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem’s 50th victory as Hai Phong captain. Through 122 matches, he brought home 184 points – the foundation for a team with a distinct identity and persistent competitiveness.
Race outlook
From a team that was underestimated in terms of transfer value, Hai Phong is proving that its real value lies in its effectiveness on the field. If they continue to maintain their current form, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his team have the right to dream about the championship race - something that was beyond the experts' predictions before the season started.
