SHB Da Nang hits rock bottom, the V.League relegation battle heats up.
Bottom of the table after 18 rounds, SHB Da Nang's hopes of avoiding relegation are dwindling. Meanwhile, the mid-table teams still can't breathe a sigh of relief, as the gap to the danger zone is only one win away.
After 18 rounds, SHB Da Nang has only one win, clearly indicating the team from the Han River is facing a disastrous season. The previous loss... Hong Linh, Ha TinhThis leaves them languishing at the bottom of the table with only 10 points, 6 points behind second-to-last Quy Nhon Binh Dinh. Theoretically, the opportunity isn't entirely lost with 8 rounds remaining in the season, but in reality, it's a huge challenge for coach Le Duc Tuan and his team.
One of the biggest problems for SHB Da Nang is the depth of their squad, especially among foreign players. Both Cassio and Thiago Henrique are injured, leaving only Emerson able to play at a reasonably good level. The inability to field their strongest team has resulted in an ineffective playing style, leading to a recent string of poor results.
If they want to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, SHB Da Nang must carefully accumulate every point, especially in direct confrontations with the bottom teams. Round 22 against Binh Dinh is considered a "final" match for their survival hopes. In addition, there are clashes with Quang Nam (round 23), Hoang Anh Gia Lai (round 24), and...Lam River, Nghe AnThe final round is also an opportunity not to be missed.
However, a real challenge awaits SHB Da Nang in the next round as they host league leaders Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. Given the significant difference in form and squad quality, the most realistic goal for the Hoa Xuan Stadium team is probably just to secure one point. But even that won't be easy, as Nam Dinh is desperate for points to maintain their top spot against the close pursuit from Hanoi and Viettel.
Meanwhile, the victory against Quang Nam in round 18 helped Binh Dinh temporarily "shake off the burden," but the gap with the relegation zone is too narrow for them to be complacent. With 16 points, the team from Binh Dinh understands that a slip-up could plunge them into a dangerous spiral.
Not only SHB Da Nang and Binh Dinh, but also the teams just above them, such as Song Lam Nghe An (18 points), Quang Nam (20 points), Ho Chi Minh City Club, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, and Hai Phong (all with 21 points), cannot breathe a sigh of relief. With only 2-5 points separating them from the relegation zone, every remaining match is a matter of "life or death." A single bad run of results could completely reverse their fortunes.
The V.League 2024/2025 season is entering its decisive phase. While the top teams are competing for the championship, the battle for survival at the bottom is equally intense. SHB Da Nang is in a precarious situation, but their chances aren't over if they can capitalize on opportunities and improve their squad. The question is whether they have enough time left to do so?
