* Da Nang - Binh Phuoc: 6 p.m. Friday, 27/6.

On 20/6, Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) announced two venue options for the play-off match. If a central region team faces a southern team, the match will be held at Thong Nhat Stadium (TP HCM). If a central team plays a northern team, the match will be at Vinh Stadium (Nghe An).

The following day, the second-tier league confirmed Binh Phuoc from the southern region as the second-placed team. On 22/6, Da Nang, from the central region, finished 13th in the V-League. This means the match will be held at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Da Nang FC (orange) defeated SLNA (white) 2-1 in round 26 of the 2024-2025 V-League, at Tam Ky Stadium, Quang Nam on 22/6/2025. Photo: VPF

Da Nang FC (orange) defeated SLNA (white) 2-1 in round 26 of the 2024-2025 V-League, at Tam Ky Stadium, Quang Nam on 22/6/2025. Photo: VPF

"Personally, I believe playing at Thong Nhat Stadium gives a geographical advantage to the southern team," said coach Le Duc Tuan at the post-match press conference after Da Nang's 2-1 victory against SLNA in the final V-League round. "Playing at Quy Nhon Stadium in Binh Dinh or 19/8 Nha Trang Stadium in Khanh Hoa would be a more neutral and reasonable location."

According to a VnExpress source, Da Nang is taking this concern further. The club's management believes Binh Phuoc will have a home crowd advantage due to the stadium's proximity. This morning, Da Nang will submit an official request to the VPF to change the venue from Thong Nhat Stadium to a more neutral location, likely Quy Nhon Stadium.

This is the 13th V-League season to feature a relegation play-off between a V-League team and a second-tier team. V-League teams have won 9 and lost 3 of these matches. The last time a second-tier team won was in 2014, when Can Tho defeated An Giang 3-0 at Go Dau Stadium (Binh Duong).

Historically, venue advantage has played a role in these matches. In the 2023-2024 season, second-tier team PVF-CAND, based in Hung Yen, played against Ha Tinh at Hang Day Stadium (Hanoi) but lost 2-3. In 2019, Thanh Hoa played at Vinh Stadium (Nghe An) and won 1-0 against second-tier team Pho Hien (now PVF-CAND). In 2018, Nam Dinh also played at Vinh Stadium and defeated second-tier team Hanoi B 5-3 on penalties.

Chi Lang Stadium has hosted the most play-off matches (5), followed by Vinh Stadium (3), Hang Day Stadium and Thien Truong Stadium (2 each), and Thong Nhat Stadium and Binh Duong Stadium (1 each). The match at Thong Nhat Stadium saw Binh Dinh lose 0-1 to second-tier team Dong Thap in 2008.

Binh Phuoc striker Nguyen Cong Phuong (green) playing in the 3-0 victory against Long An, round 22 of the 2024-2025 National First Division, at Binh Phuoc Stadium, afternoon of 21/6/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

Binh Phuoc striker Nguyen Cong Phuong (green) playing in the 3-0 victory against Long An, round 22 of the 2024-2025 National First Division, at Binh Phuoc Stadium, afternoon of 21/6/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

This year's play-off will consist of 90 minutes of regular time, followed by a penalty shootout if the score is tied. The match will utilize VAR, with two foreign referees officiating. No foreign players will be allowed, as the second-tier league doesn't permit them.

Binh Phuoc is considered an even match for Da Nang. Coach Le Duc Tuan acknowledges that Binh Phuoc possesses a higher level of skill than other second-tier teams, boasting former V-League players like Tran Phi Son, Bui Tan Truong, Huynh Tan Sinh, and notably, Nguyen Cong Phuong.

"Cong Phuong has international experience and composure. We must strive to contain him," coach Le Duc Tuan stated. "Since it's a single-elimination match, we will prioritize a solid defense. While we can't use foreign players, our experience against strong V-League teams gives us an edge."

The 1982-born coach believes Da Nang is confident. After finishing last in the V-League at the halfway point, five points behind Binh Dinh, they ended the season four points ahead and relegated their rivals.

"We treated many matches like finals before facing Binh Phuoc," Tuan said. "We have overcome difficult times, so there's no reason why we can't overcome Binh Phuoc."

Da Nang is a storied club with two V-League titles in 2009 and 2012. In 2023, the team was relegated for the first time after 21 seasons in the V-League but returned after just one year. However, new challenges await the team this season.

Binh Phuoc FC was established in 2006 and joined the third division a year later. They were promoted to the second division in 2011, then relegated, before achieving two consecutive promotions to reach the first division in 2015. In the past two seasons, with significant investment, the team has aimed for promotion to the V-League.

Hieu Luong