Xuân Son unexpectedly has to compete with Nam Định in the relegation battle

Just one point above the penultimate team after the first phase, defending champions Nam Định have unexpectedly been drawn into the relegation struggle.

After the first half of the 2025/26 V-League, the picture painted by Thép Xanh Nam Định has startled many observers. From the throne, they have fallen straight into the danger zone, where every match is a nerve-wracking test. Twelve points from twelve matches—a very modest tally for a champion—have pushed the Nam team dangerously close to the brink. Instead of discussing the title defense, conversations have shifted towards the grim reality of fighting for every point to survive.

This concern becomes even clearer when looking at teams previously considered relegation candidates. Hoàng Anh Gia Lai secured an important victory, Sông Lam Nghệ An managed to defeat stronger opponents, and PVF-CAND even took full points away from home. While others accelerate, Nam Định remains stagnant. This reversal has crowded the bottom of the table and shattered all preseason predictions.

The problem is not only about points but also the feeling of a team that has lost its composure. Nam Định approaches matches cautiously, prioritizing avoiding defeat over going for a win. The final minutes always hold uncertainty, and repeated lapses in concentration gradually erode fans’ confidence. When a reigning champion no longer looks like a conqueror, a decline seems almost inevitable.

Statistics paint an even bleaker picture. An average of one point per game, a long streak of draws, and no breakthrough runs to gain momentum. They control the ball, create chances, and have quality players—but everything stops just short. Opponents no longer fear them, and Nam Định fails to show the coldness needed to close out games. The image of a “giant” is gradually fading.

The 1-1 draw with Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh at Thiên Trường Stadium on February 9 felt like a replay of the first half of the season. The home side had moments of brilliance, controlled the game, but lost everything in the final seconds. This is no longer an accident but a habit. Each time it happens, they drag themselves closer to the danger zone.

Up front, the hope named Nguyễn Xuân Son has yet to rediscover his scoring touch in the domestic league. His silence not only directly impacts results but also places heavy psychological pressure on the entire team. If this inconsistent form continues, the prospect of ending the season empty-handed or even battling to avoid relegation becomes very real. For Nam fans, this is surely a scenario they never wanted to imagine.