V-League 2025/26: An earthquake after the 80-day break and the rise of the bottom teams.
The extended break for the Vietnam U23 team has disrupted the V-League's order, with title contenders experiencing a dip in form while lower-ranked teams have seen a strong resurgence.
The V-League 2025/26 has officially returned with a completely different look after a break of over 80 days to make way for the Vietnamese U23 team's campaigns at the SEA Games and the AFC U23 Championship. What is happening now is truly a new chapter full of variables, breaking all the rules and old scenarios that experts and fans had previously envisioned.
Earthquakes that shook the rankings.
In just the last two rounds, domestic football has witnessed shocking upsets that have directly impacted the championship race. Ninh Binh, a team that was previously undefeated and dominated the top of the table with absolute dominance, unexpectedly fell to Hoang Anh Gia Lai, a team considered inferior in every aspect. This defeat not only ended Ninh Binh's winning streak but also opened up opportunities for their chasing rivals.
At Hang Day Stadium, Song Lam Nghe An also created another upset by crushing Viettel with an unbelievable 4-1 score. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa continued to prove its mettle as the most tenacious "spoiler" in the league. Despite a severely depleted squad, the team from Thanh Hoa province consistently earned points against the reigning champions Nam Dinh and defeated Ho Chi Minh City Police right at Thong Nhat Stadium.
Analyzing the "variables" from the 80-day break.
The core reason for this reversal lies in the nearly three-month break. In professional football, this break is often described as a "double-edged sword," directly impacting the tactical operation and psychology of clubs. For teams at the peak of their form and enthusiasm, like Ninh Binh, the prolonged pause disrupted their smooth rhythm, causing players to become lethargic and lose their best spatial awareness.
Conversely, for teams facing a crisis or undergoing a transition in playing style, such as Hanoi FC, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, or PVF-CAND, the 80-day suspension is invaluable "golden time." Coaches have had enough space and quiet time to review their personnel, correct tactical mistakes, and meticulously assemble a new team structure.
When time is the cure for revivals
When the V-League resumed, these clubs appeared with a completely different face: more disciplined, more aggressive, and possessing tactics that surprised their opponents. Thorough preparation in terms of physical fitness and tactics during the break helped them bridge the gap in personnel skill compared to the big clubs.
Frankly speaking, while interrupting the national championship to prioritize youth levels often sparks controversy from a professional standpoint, it has inadvertently breathed new life into the league. This current unpredictability helps the V-League break free from monotony, forces title contenders to exercise maximum caution, and makes the relegation battle incredibly dramatic.
The value of uncertainty in professional football.
Fans now have even more reason to eagerly anticipate each round, where the "big fish eats the small fish" scenario is no longer a given. The V-League is truly reviving with new energy, making the 2025/26 season one of the most exciting and watchable in many years. It is this uncertainty and constant change that creates the core value, affirming the strong appeal of Vietnamese professional football even after long breaks.
