V-League 2025/26: The race for runner-up and top scorer heats up after CAHN secures the title early.
Although CAHN successfully defended their title three rounds early, the V-League maintained its appeal thanks to the medal race between Viettel and Ninh Binh, and the explosive form of Dinh Bac.
CAHN officially concluded the V-League 2025/26 championship race with a convincing 2-0 victory over Thanh Hoa. With an 11-point lead and only 3 rounds remaining, coach Alexandre Polking's team secured the title early, demonstrating their superior skill and consistency. However, the championship title doesn't mean the season is cooling down, as the competition for medals and individual awards is entering its most dramatic phase.
Viettel holds the advantage in the race for the silver medal.
The focus of the tournament has now shifted to the race for the runner-up and bronze medals. After round 23, the top group standings haven't changed much, with Viettel, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi FC all securing victories. Viettel currently holds second place with 49 points, giving them a significant advantage in defending their position.
Closely behind are Ninh Binh with 44 points and Hanoi FC with 42 points. Although the 5-point gap between second and third place is relatively safe, the psychological pressure in the last 3 rounds is considerable. Just one slip-up could completely change the standings.
Variables in PVF-CAND's relegation battle.
In round 24, Viettel will face PVF-CAND, the team currently at the bottom of the league table. Theoretically, this is an opportunity for the military team to secure all three points. However, the reality may be more complicated as PVF-CAND is in a position where they must save themselves to remain in Vietnam's top league.
This very survival factor makes PVF-CAND a risky opponent for any team. If Viettel drops points, Ninh Binh will have a chance to narrow the gap as they only have to face Ho Chi Minh City Police Club – a team that is already safe and no longer has much motivation to compete in the medal contention group.
Top Scorer Race: Alan Grafite vs. the sensation Dinh Bac
Besides the team rankings, the top scorer title is also witnessing a spectacular chase. Alan Grafite currently leads with 15 goals, creating a 4-goal gap over Lucao. Although CAHN has already won the championship, this striker still maintains a very strong personal motivation to consolidate his position.
Most notably, young talent Dinh Bac has been in explosive form. With 10 goals, all of which came in the last 6 rounds, Dinh Bac has become the top domestic scorer in the final stages of the season. He is currently tied with Tagueu Joel and has surpassed many other well-known foreign players such as Olaha and Geovane.
| Player | Club | Number of goals |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Graffiti | CAHN | 15 |
| Lucao | Hai Phong | 11 |
| North Temple | Hanoi FC | 10 |
| Tagueu Joel | Hanoi FC | 10 |
Although the champion has been determined early on, the scenarios regarding the runner-up position and the top scorer title promise to keep the excitement going in the V-League 2025/26 until the very last round.
