Round 13 of the V-League 2025 - 2026: Intense battle for the top spot

After losing the top spot to Hanoi Police in the previous round, Ninh Binh returns home to face Hoang Anh Gia Lai in Round 13. The 2-3 defeat to direct rival Hanoi Police dropped Ninh Binh to second place, two points behind their opponent, who has played one less match. Therefore, Hoang Duc and his teammates must carefully accumulate points to avoid falling behind.
 
The championship race is still long with the entire second half of the season ahead. Thus, temporarily regaining first place while Hanoi Police have yet to play Round 13 would be a significant morale boost for coach Albadalejo Gerard’s team.

Meanwhile, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) has temporarily escaped danger after an important win over SHB Da Nang. Coach Le Quang Trai’s squad is expected to face many challenges against Ninh Binh this round. However, riding high on the full 3 points from the previous match, the Mountain Town team is determined to cause an upset. Rated lower in strength and facing away disadvantages, their likely goal is to secure at least one point, though the task remains very difficult.
 
Home advantage favors the ancient Hoa Lu team, but any mistake could cost them in the title race. Ninh Binh remains unbeaten at home this season. The hosts at Ninh Binh Arena are determined to win 3 points to reclaim the top position.
 
In the home match against HAGL, Ninh Binh’s coach Albadalejo Gerard is banned from coaching on the sidelines due to a disciplinary sanction by the Vietnam Football Federation. The Spanish coach was fined 10 million VND and suspended for two matches for protesting referees during the Round 12 game against Hanoi Police at Hang Day Stadium. His absence on the pitch at a time when the team’s morale is shaky poses a challenge for the Hoa Lu team.

Ninh Binh also faces the suspension of center-back Duong Quang Nho and the early season-ending injury of young talent Nguyen Thai Son. Now, Ninh Binh must rely on the resilience of their substitutes to fill the huge gaps left by key players.
 
The match between Ninh Binh and HAGL will kick off at 6 PM on February 7. Ninh Binh must aim for 3 points to prevent Hanoi Police from extending their lead in the race for the championship. This is the moment for Ninh Binh to demonstrate their value and toughness as a title contender.
 
Afterwards, teams will have about a two-week break for the 2026 Binh Ngo Lunar New Year before resuming with the Round 10 make-up matches on February 24.
 
In this round, Da Nang Club will not face Hanoi Police because the capital team requested to postpone the match to the end of March to focus on the AFC Cup.
 
Round 13 schedule:

February 7

6 PM: Becamex Ho Chi Minh City - PVF CAND

6 PM: Ninh Binh - Hoang Anh Gia Lai

7:15 PM: Hanoi FC - Hai Phong
 
February 8

7:15 PM: Ho Chi Minh City Police - Dong A Thanh Hoa

7:15 PM: Viettel Army - Song Lam Nghe An
 
February 9

6 PM: Nam Dinh Steel - Hong Linh Ha Tinh