Ninh Binh FC, the reigning champions of the second division, controlled the midfield with their experienced V-League players: Hoang Duc, Duc Chien, and Chau Ngoc Quang. While Ha Tinh finished 5th in the 2024-2025 V-League season, the departure of key players meant they weren't considered significantly stronger than the newly promoted Ninh Binh.

Rain hampered both teams' ability to execute short passes. However, the home team still created the first dangerous opportunities.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (second from right) assists Pham Gia Hung (second from left) to score the final goal in Ninh Binh's 3-1 victory over Ha Tinh in the first round of V-League 2025-2026, at Ha Tinh Stadium, 17/8/2025. Photo: Xuan Thuy

In the 12th minute, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam had to rush out of the penalty area to clear the ball before Pham Van Long could reach it. Ha Tinh launched a quick counter-attack in the 34th minute. The ball went through Charles Atshimene and Le Viktor before Mai Sy Hoang's shot from just outside the box bounced into the near corner, opening the scoring.

Ninh Binh responded immediately. In the 38th minute, Gustavo Henrique's header hit the crossbar and bounced down, but didn't cross the goal line. Three minutes later, a Ha Tinh player handled the ball in front of the goal, resulting in a free kick for the visitors. Daniel Anjos' free-kick hit the right post before Duc Chien slotted the rebound into the empty net to equalize.

Ha Tinh dominated the second half but couldn't create any clear-cut chances. In the 76th minute, coach Gerard Albadalejo brought on overseas Vietnamese player Tran Thanh Trung to strengthen the midfield. However, the stalemate continued until the 89th minute when Do Thanh Thinh crossed from the left wing for Dung Quang Nho to fire home from close range, putting Ninh Binh ahead 2-1.

As Ha Tinh pushed forward for an equalizer, they left gaps in their defense. Nguyen Hoang Duc skillfully navigated through a crowd of Ha Tinh players before setting up Pham Gia Hung to score the final goal, sealing a 3-1 victory for Ninh Binh.

PVF-CAND (in red) defeated SLNA 2-1 in the first round of V-League 2025-2026, at PVF Stadium, Hung Yen, 17/8/2025. Photo: VPF

Another newcomer, PVF-CAND, also made a strong impression in their opening match, defeating SLNA 2-1 at home. Both teams have young squads, but SLNA were considered favorites due to their years of experience in the V-League, while many PVF-CAND players were making their debut.

In the first half, SLNA created several dangerous opportunities but couldn't beat Phi Minh Long. The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. From the right wing, Vo Anh Quan made a powerful run and crossed for Amarildo to finish from close range, opening the scoring.

In the second half, Michael Olaha's header hit the post in the 59th minute before he followed up to equalize. However, SLNA couldn't capitalize on the momentum. Instead, the home team effectively utilized their wing attacks, and one of these led to the winning goal in the 67th minute, scored by Joseph Mpande.

Hieu Luong