Round 18 V-League: Xuan Son Tests Trung Kien

The clash with Nam Dinh in Round 18 of the 2025/26 V-League may mark a difficult turning point for HAGL. Given their slump in performance and internal instability, the Mountain City club faces a real danger of dropping to the last position if they fail to gain points at Thiên Trường.

The disparity between the two teams at present is evident. Nam Dinh has been experiencing a strong revival sinceCoach Vu Hong Vietreturned.

A streak of 5 wins across all competitions, from the V-League to the National Cup, has not only improved the Nam-based team's ranking but also generated clear momentum.

With 24 points, the Thiên Trường Stadium hosts have climbed into the mid-table group and can realistically aim for a medal race if they maintain this form.

Conversely, HAGL is on a prolonged slide. The departure of General Director Vu Tien Thanh has left the team without a crucial strategic pillar.

Under Coach Le Quang Trai,HAGLhas not shown stability, securing only 1 point in their last 3 matches.

Statistical figures further highlight the Mountain City team's instability. Goalkeeper Trung Kien has had to pick the ball out of his net 26 times, placing them among the top three most conceding teams, while their attack ranks in the bottom two scoring groups. This imbalance between offense and defense leaves HAGL with almost no clear foundation in their gameplay.

Historical head-to-head records also do not favor the visitors. In recent seasons, HAGL has not managed to defeatNam Dinh, even losing their last two matches at Thiên Trường with a combined score of 1-9.

HAGL drew with Nam Dinh in three home matches over the last three seasons, including a 2-2 draw in the first leg this season, but that was when Nam Dinh was still in a form crisis. Currently, everything has changed completely.

Thiên Trường Stadium remains one of the most challenging "cauldrons" in the V-League, and with their rising form, Nam Dinh has become even more formidable. The 2-0 victory away at Ha Tinh in Round 17 clearly demonstrates their effective style. Notably, the return of striker Xuan Son is providing a significant boost to the home team's attack.

Meanwhile, HAGL faces squad difficulties, missing Dinh Lam, the player who scored against Ninh Binh last week. Phuoc Bao is also absent. This adds to Coach Le Quang Trai's headaches in arranging the lineup. Against an opponent in high form, patching up the lineup is unlikely to deliver the necessary solidity.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that HAGL remains a team with character. Their play sometimes troubles stronger opponents, thanks to ball control and flexible attacking organization. But HAGL's issue lies in their lack of stability and composure in decisive moments, qualities that Nam Dinh currently possesses clearly.

Therefore, Round 18 carries significant meaning for the Mountain City team. If they lose, while direct competitors like SHB Da Nang or PVF CAND gain points, HAGL could sink deeper into the bottom of the standings. Then, the pressure to avoid relegation would become heavier than ever.