Xuan Son helps Nam Dinh Club pressure the V-League championship contenders

The explosive performance of Xuan Son alongside Nam Dinh's impressive winning streak under coach Vu Hong Viet is making the V-League 2025/26 medal race intensely dramatic. From the bottom group, the Nam city team has risen strongly and is ready to challenge all opponents in the decisive stage.

The appeal of V-League 2025/26 lies not only in the championship race gradually leaning towards Hanoi Police but also in the explosive competition for medals.

That is where the reigning champion unexpectedly becomes a troublesome "spoiler".Xuan Sonstill holds great appeal as he elevates the entire team with his impressive form.

The 2-0 victory over Hong Linh Ha Tinh in round 17 is the clearest evidence. In a match that was not easy against an opponent determined to defend proactively,Xuan Sonstill knew how to make a difference.

A penalty goal and a classy assist for a teammate to score demonstrated this striker's comprehensive role. Not only scoring, he is also a crucial link in the tactical operation, the connecting point between midfield and attack. With more luck, Xuan Son could have added another goal in the second half. But that amount was enough for the 29-year-old striker to be more motivated going forward.

Notably, Xuan Son's flourishing journey has not been smooth. He endured a streak of unfortunate matches where VAR repeatedly denied his goals or he hit the post. But unlike many players who easily lose confidence, the striker born in 1997 played even more decisively. That is the quality of a great shooter, knowing how to overcome adversity to affirm his class.

The return of coach Vu Hong Viet to the managerial seat was also a crucial turning point. Since taking over the team, he has helped Nam Dinh transform completely. A streak of 5 wins across all competitions (including V-League and National Cup) not only brought points but reignited faith that was previously shaken. From a team in the bottom group, Nam Dinh climbed to mid-table with 24 points, equal to 6th-placed Hai Phong. That is a spectacular breakthrough.

More importantly, the Nam city team now stands before an opportunity to break into the top 5, even dreaming of medals. The 3-point gap to the top 4 is a distance that can be bridged as the season still has 9 rounds left. In the context where rivals like Hanoi FC or Ho Chi Minh City Police are performing inconsistently, the reigning champion emerges as a dangerous unknown.

The playing style of the Nam city team at this moment makes many opponents wary. BesidesXuan Son, Nam Dinh also possesses quality spearheads like Akolo. This is a compatible partner in attack for Son, alongside foreign players like Caio Cesar and Lucas Alves, who help maintain stability in both offense and defense.

What makes Nam Dinh more formidable is precisely tradition. This club remains the reigning champion, having won the V-League twice consecutively most recently, and their experience battling under high-pressure moments cannot be underestimated. Once in rhythm, this team can defeat any opponent, even those ranked above.

The upcoming match against HAGL at Thien Truong Stadium is an opportunity for Nam Dinh to continue accumulating points. Against an opponent in decline and lacking stability, coach Vu Hong Viet and his team have many advantages to extend their winning streak. If that happens, Nam Dinh could enter the top 5 and also apply direct pressure on the medal-contending group.

From a broader perspective, Nam Dinh's resurgence brings positive signals for the V-League. The league is no longer the exclusive playground of a few clubs but is witnessing more multidimensional competition. Teams seemingly out of objectives can still rise powerfully, creating unpredictable and exciting scenarios for fans.

As Nam Dinh flies high, the V-League 2025/26 medal race will certainly have many surprises ahead.