Ninh Binh beat Hai Phong 2-1, extending their unbeaten streak to 36 matches.
Coming from behind at Lach Tray Stadium on November 23, 2025, Ninh Binh advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Cup and extended their unbeaten streak in regular time to 36 matches, solidifying their position as a title contender.
In the heated atmosphere of Lach Tray Stadium on the evening of November 23, 2025, Ninh Binh, despite being forced to chase the game, managed to turn the tables and defeat Hai Phong 2-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the National Cup. This victory extended their unbeaten streak in regular time to 36 matches – a rare achievement in modern Vietnamese football, where the gap between teams is increasingly narrow.
A turning point at Lach Tray
The match was more than just a ticket to the next round. From being behind and under immense pressure from Hai Phong's relentless pressing and the packed stadium, Ninh Binh didn't collapse. They adjusted their tempo, patiently found a balance, and then exploded at the right moment to seal a 2-1 comeback victory. That was the mark of a team accustomed to top-level competition, knowing how to win in both difficult and favorable situations.
What Ninh Binh sent from Lach Tray was a definitive answer: this team is no longer a fleeting phenomenon. Their 36-match unbeaten streak in regular time demonstrates a stable playing structure and the ability to handle pressure – qualities that set a championship contender apart from the rest.
How Ninh Binh overcame pressure and pressing.
In a high-pressure game, Ninh Binh opted for a calm approach: prolonging passing sequences to slow the pace, then accelerating when their opponents' stamina decreased. This reaction to adversity is a recurring pattern this season – seen in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Thanh Hoa or their 3-1 win against SHB Da Nang. This flexibility between flair and pragmatism is a significant difference for a team newly promoted to the V-League.
The central axis and tactical signature of coach Gerard Albadalejo.
Building on a solid foundation of investment, Ninh Binh has developed a vertical axis with individuals of national-level caliber, integrated into a stable competitive system. Nguyen Hoang Duc is the "heart" of their playing style: regulating, creating, and elevating the team through his role as a spiritual leader. The fact that the midfielder, born in 1998, started 33 out of 36 unbeaten matches demonstrates his overwhelming influence. This form is making him the number one candidate for this year's Vietnamese Golden Ball award.
Behind the scenes, Dang Van Lam's solidity provides a foundation for the entire system. In goal, he is a pillar of support in crucial moments. On the sidelines, coach Gerard Albadalejo demonstrates his ability to connect: combining excellent pieces into a cohesive unit, knowing how to win through control when needed and effectively transitioning when opportunities arise.
The numbers speak for themselves.
Statistics at the end of 2025 further clarify Ninh Binh's upward trajectory: after dominating the 2024/25 First Division, they immediately showcased their strength in the 2025/26 V-League and maintained an unbeaten streak of 36 matches in regular time. Declarative victories like the 4-0 win against Thanh Hoa or the 3-1 win against SHB Da Nang served as a foundation, while their resilience and ability to turn the tide at Lach Tray Stadium on November 23rd highlighted the enduring strength of this team.
| Category | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Unbeaten streak | 36 matches | During regular time |
| Hoang Duc starts | 33/36 matches | The "heart" of the gameplay. |
| Outstanding victory | 4-0 against Thanh Hoa | Asserting dominance |
| Outstanding victory | 3-1 against SHB Da Nang | Stability in attack |
| National Cup | Into the quarter-finals | Comeback to beat Hai Phong 2-1 at Lach Tray |
The significance for the 2025/26 race.
With their momentum and proven foundation built across two leagues, Ninh Binh enters the remainder of the season with a clear objective: aiming for a double in the V-League and the National Cup in 2025/26. From an ambitious team in the lower leagues, they are redrawing the map of domestic power and becoming a major obstacle for any team wanting to lift the trophy.
At Lach Tray, the 2-1 victory not only capped off a dramatic night; it also revealed that Ninh Binh had surpassed the "challenger" threshold. In their 36-match unbeaten streak in regular time, what made opponents wary wasn't just the scoreline, but the way they chose the right approach at the right moment – a habit of champions.
