Why is Ninh Bình still undefeated in the V-League?

21/10/2025 08:59:00 SportScoop

Ninh Bình Club remains at the top after 7 unbeaten matches in the LPBank V-League 2025/26. Though a newcomer, they already show the toughness of a confident team that understands both itself and its opponents, knowing how to win even without playing their most dazzling football.

Ninh Bình FC disrupted the debut of coach Harry Kewell and naturalized player Đỗ Hoàng Hên at Hàng Đẫy, securing their position at the summit. Objectively, Hanoi FC played better but were unlucky. Coach Kewell proved his ability by choosing a pressing style that troubled Ninh Bình. Unfortunately, the former V-League champions were unlucky, with Đặng Văn Lâm, the crossbar, and posts denying what seemed like certain goals for Hanoi FC.

Hanoi FC showed improvement but fortune did not favor them, while for the Hoa Lư team, that was enough to celebrate. Their composure, patience, and cold-bloodedness helped Ninh Bình claim all 3 points.

So far, coach Gerard Albadalejo’s team has not only remained unbeaten in 7 straight matches but also defeated two top contenders, Nam Định and Hanoi FC, and drawn with another strong candidate, Thể Công Viettel. That alone is enough to make the Hoa Lư team a side to be wary of.

Ninh Bình FC can be considered a young team both in name and history. Formerly the Thanh niên TP.HCM team, they relocated and became Phù Đổng Ninh Bình in 2024. After just one season, the club earned promotion to the V-League and was renamed Ninh Bình FC. Undefeated in the 2024/25 First Division, they are now flying high in the V-League. What has helped the Hoa Lư team continue their success?

More than 10 years after the 2014 AFC Cup incident that led to the dissolution of The Vissai Ninh Bình, a Phù Đổng Ninh Bình team transferred from Thanh niên TPHCM now holds one of the most shocking squads following a major recruitment drive including Đặng Văn Lâm, Thanh Thịnh, Đỗ Văn Thuận, Đức Việt, Lê Minh Bình, and Phạm Gia Hưng. Before the start of the 2024/25 First Division, Phù Đổng Ninh Bình added another key signing, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, a symbol once thought irreplaceable at Thể Công Viettel.

Hoàng Đức (left) is soaring alongside newcomer Ninh Bình in the LPBank V-League 2025/26 with a 7-match unbeaten run. Photo: Hoàng Linh

Together with veteran national players, Ninh Bình’s new recruits for the 2025/26 V-League have formed a squad not only deep in quality but also rich in experience at both domestic and international levels. Players like Nguyễn Đức Chiến, Châu Ngọc Quang, and Dụng Quang Nho have joined Ninh Bình. Along with foreign players, Ninh Bình FC has operated well in both attacking and defensive roles to temporarily top the V-League.

After 7 rounds, it can be said that Ninh Bình’s unbeaten streak is not merely due to luck; they possess a solid foundation in tactics and personnel. Watching Ninh Bình play may not be flashy or visually thrilling, but it carries a "cold as steel" style. This cold-bloodedness has helped the young team stand firm against the passionate atmosphere at Lạch Tray Stadium and remain unfazed by Hanoi FC’s experience, making the V-League cautious.

Coach Gerard Albadalejo has also demonstrated flexibility in team building, knowing when to press, when to strengthen defense, and how to fully utilize the technical skills of his midfielders. While some may doubt Ninh Bình FC’s strength after wins over Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, Thanh Hóa, and SHB Đà Nẵng, defeating the defending champion Nam Định and then overcoming Hanoi FC is a different matter entirely and commands respect.

At this stage, it is too early to talk about which team will be champion, but if they maintain their form, Ninh Bình deserves to be one of the leading contenders. However, they are also likely to become a target every opponent wants to defeat. The road to the title is still long, so it is premature to declare Ninh Bình FC unbeatable in their first V-League season. But the reality cannot be denied that coach Gerard Albadalejo’s team is not an easy newcomer to bully; on the contrary, they want to compete fairly with other "giants."

At least with what they have shown, Ninh Bình FC contributes to adding excitement to a V-League that has often been dull with championship contenders being predictable over many seasons.

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