Nam Định lost to Gamba Osaka 0-1 but still have a good chance of advancing.

On the evening of November 5th at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh lost 0-1 to Gamba Osaka in the fourth matchday of Group F of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26. Despite being caught up in points by Ratchaburi (both with 6 points) and trailing significantly in goal difference (+7 compared to 0), Nam Dinh still ranks above the Thai representative due to a better head-to-head record. This rule is a key factor in keeping coach André Lima's team's chances of advancing alive.

Group F standings: Ratchaburi explodes, Nam Dinh still holds the advantage.

In their last two matches, Ratchaburi convincingly defeated Eastern AA 5-1 and 7-0, moving up to 6 points with a goal difference of +7. Nam Dinh also has 6 points but a goal difference of 0 after losing to Gamba Osaka 0-1. However, the rankings between the two teams have not reversed because the head-to-head record is prioritized over goal difference.

Gamba Osaka has secured their place in the next round with four wins out of four matches. Eastern AA lost all four matches and has been eliminated.

Why is Nam Dinh ranked above Ratchaburi?

In this competition, the head-to-head results are determined before goal difference. Nam Dinh currently holds the advantage after defeating Ratchaburi 3-1 in the first leg at Thien Truong Stadium. This puts the Vietnamese team ahead of their Thai opponents, despite a significantly lower overall goal difference.

The next phase of the game: the focus is on the away match on November 27th.

• Not losing to Ratchaburi in Thailand (November 27): Nam Dinh maintains its head-to-head advantage and has the power to decide its own fate before the final round when hosting Eastern AA, a team that has lost all 4 matches and is certainly eliminated. At the same time, Ratchaburi will be playing away against Gamba Osaka.
• Losing by less than 2 goals is still possible: if Nam Dinh wins against Eastern AA in the final match and Ratchaburi loses to Gamba Osaka by any score, both teams will have 9 points, but Nam Dinh will still be ranked higher due to a better head-to-head record.

Nam Dinh's focus in the final two matches.

The crucial issue for Nam Dinh is securing points in their direct match against Ratchaburi. Therefore, to be certain of qualification, coach André Lima's team needs at least a point in the fifth round before aiming for a victory when hosting Eastern AA in the final round. With Gamba Osaka already having secured their place in the next round, the pressure is greater on Ratchaburi as they still have an away match in Japan.

A remarkable number

• 0-1: Nam Dinh lost to Gamba Osaka at Thien Truong Stadium in matchday 4.
• 6 pointsNam Dinh and Ratchaburi both have 6 points after 4 rounds.
• +7 vs 0: Goal difference of Ratchaburi (+7) and Nam Dinh (0).
• 3-1: The first leg result saw Nam Định win against Ratchaburi at home.
• 5-1, 7-0Ratchaburi's two most recent victories against Eastern AA.
• 4Gamba Osaka won all 4 matches and are guaranteed to advance to the next round.
• 2The top teams in each group will qualify for the next round of the AFC Champions League Two group stage.

The remaining fixtures will directly affect the overall standings.

• November 27th: Ratchaburi vs Nam Định.
• Final round: Nam Định vs Eastern AA; Ratchaburi plays away against Gamba Osaka.

In short, the defeat against Gamba Osaka does not take away Nam Dinh's right to self-determination. Their advantage in the head-to-head match against Ratchaburi is key. A result with points in Thailand would open the door to the next round for the Vietnamese representative in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26.