Round 17 of LPBank V-League 2025/26: The Crucial Turning Point

This weekend's round promises to be a pivotal moment, as both the championship race and the relegation battle enter a critical phase with decisive matchups.

It is not an exaggeration to say this round is the "hinge" of this year's V-League season. The point gaps at both ends of the standings are widening, and each match now carries not only the significance of three points but also direct psychological pressure on competing rivals.

The highlight on April 4th will undoubtedly be the clash between Hai Phong FC and Hanoi FC at Lach Tray Stadium. This is a match between two extremes in form. Hai Phong is in a prolonged slump with five consecutive losses, dropping to 6th place and gradually falling behind in the medal race. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC is experiencing a strong resurgence with an impressive streak, thanks to their national team players returning after the March FIFA Days.

Players like Duy Manh, Xuan Manh, Hoang Hen, Hai Long, and Tuan Hai are not only key pillars for the club but are also performing at a high level following their international matches. Under coach Harry Kewell's guidance, Hanoi FC is regaining strength with five wins in their last seven games and must win to continue chasing the top group. However, Lach Tray has never been a comfortable venue, and Hai Phong certainly does not want to sink deeper.

In another match on the same day, CAHN has a major opportunity to solidify their top position when hosting SHB Da Nang. In the first leg, Quang Hai and his teammates secured a 1-0 victory at Chi Lang Stadium of their opponent. With stable form and superior strength, coach Alexandre Polking's team is highly favored. A victory would not only widen the gap but also exert immense pressure on the trailing competitors.

Meanwhile, the bottom-ranked PVF CAND will have a significant match against Becamex TP.HCM. This is a rare chance for the home team to improve their position. Coach Tran Tien Dai's squad has 11 points after 16 matches, just one point less than the second-bottom team SHB Da Nang. However, inconsistent performance makes PVF CAND difficult to trust, even though their opponent is not overwhelmingly superior.

Moving to April 5th, the encounter between HAGL and Ninh Binh carries special significance. Not only is it a relegation battle, but it is also an emotional reunion for coach Vu Tien Thanh with his former club.

Both teams are facing difficulties: HAGL has not won under coach Le Quang Trai since General Director Vu Tien Thanh departed, while Ninh Binh is declining with a disappointing streak. Ninh Binh has not won in five consecutive V-League matches, and coach Thanh's team could easily lose its 3rd place to Hanoi FC if they suffer another defeat this round. In the first leg, Ninh Binh lost 1-2 to HAGL at their home ground.

At Vinh Stadium, SLNA hosts The Cong Viettel in a match that could directly impact the top group. SLNA has shown resilience with three wins in their last four rounds, only losing to high-performing Hanoi FC. Meanwhile, The Cong Viettel remains a strong contender for the championship. Their 1-4 defeat in the first leg gives The Cong Viettel added motivation to settle the debt. Coach Velizar Popov's troops receive support from many fans to win this match, as only three points would allow The Cong Viettel to apply strong pressure on CAHN. Only then can the V-League avoid witnessing coach Polking's team "riding alone" to an early finish.

Another notable match is the clash between Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Nam Dinh. Nam Dinh is on the path to recovery under coach Vu Hong Viet. Nam Dinh has 21 points, and their chance to enter the top 3 remains intact. The Nam Dinh squad remains strong with a balanced lineup including Xuan Son, Akolo, Caio Cesar... But Hong Linh Ha Tinh is always a troublesome opponent at home.

Finally, Thanh Hoa faces CATP.HCM in a context where both need points for different objectives. Thanh Hoa is struggling in the bottom group with 13 points and 12th place, while the visiting team has 26 points and ranks 5th, still hoping to break into the top group. Home advantage could be a factor helping Thanh Hoa create a surprise.

Overall, Round 17 is not just about results but also a test of resilience under pressure. Championship contenders like CAHN, The Cong Viettel, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi FC need to demonstrate stability. Conversely, bottom-group teams like PVF CAND, SHB Da Nang, HAGL, and Thanh Hoa must fight with everything they have to survive.

The season's landscape is now clearly differentiating. One victory could propel a club forward, but one defeat could drag a collective into a crisis spiral. After this round, the picture of both the championship and relegation races may become more distinctly shaped.