Thanh Hóa - Hanoi Police: An Exciting Kickoff to the New Season

The rescheduled match between Thanh Hóa and Hanoi Police promises to be thrilling, intense, and unpredictable, making it a highly awaited season opener for the V-League after the Lunar New Year break. It also marks the beginning of an exciting second half of the 2025 - 2026 V-League season.

This game is seen as favoring the visiting team, Hanoi Police, due to Thanh Hóa facing significant challenges with personnel and finances. However, despite difficulties, the Thanh Hóa squad has demonstrated strong determination in the initial rounds.

Thanh Hóa players have endured many hardships during the first half of the season for reasons beyond football. Currently with only 12 points, they are highly motivated in every remaining match to achieve their goal of avoiding relegation.

After drawing against Nam Định at home, Thanh Hóa delivered a passionate "do or die" performance at Thống Nhất Stadium, defeating one of this season’s favorites, Ho Chi Minh City Police, 2-1. This crucial victory allowed coach Mai Xuân Hợp’s team to extend their lead over bottom-placed Đà Nẵng to 5 points and temporarily stay one point ahead of PVF CAND in the relegation zone.

When pushed to the brink, Thanh Hóa becomes even more formidable. They have played emotionally charged matches, boosting their morale and confidence to a level that compensates for their squad depth compared to opponents, including league leaders Hanoi Police. Their resilient performances in the last two rounds send a clear message to their rivals in this upcoming match.

Thanh Hóa’s chance to avoid relegation remains intact, although they are still considered one of the teams at highest risk this season. Facing a top-ranked opponent with a star-studded lineup and consistent form like Hanoi Police, Thanh Hóa’s goal of earning points this round is a tough challenge.

Thanh Hóa’s squad is clearly fragile, lacking depth and standout players, so they approach each game as if it were a final. This fighting spirit has become coach Mai Xuân Hợp’s sharpest weapon on the field. The match against Hanoi Police will be no exception.

Meanwhile, Hanoi Police are dealing with heavy disappointment following an unfortunate incident in the continental competition. Coach Polking’s team seemed poised to advance to the AFC Cup 2 quarterfinals but were disqualified due to an administrative error involving two ineligible players, resulting in a 0-3 forfeit loss despite a 4-0 win on the pitch. The former V-League champions were eliminated after losing to a Singaporean club in the second leg. Leading the V-League, they must now rebound strongly to maintain their advantage over chasing teams.

Eliminated from the AFC Cup 2, coach Alexandre Polking’s squad will now focus all their energy on winning the league in the remaining season. Victory over Thanh Hóa is a must to secure a safer gap ahead of Ninh Bình and other pursuing rivals.

Looking at the V-League title race this season, Hanoi Police hold the upper hand as league leaders with fewer matches played than their closest competitors. This postponed Round 10 match is a prime opportunity for Hanoi Police to widen their lead over the chasing pack in the standings.

Hanoi Police are also the only V-League team to have trained and competed throughout the Tet holiday. This continuity helps their players maintain form rather than needing a restart like other teams. Their ongoing participation in the AFC Champions League Two has given coach Mano Polking’s squad an advantage in both fitness and rhythm over their rivals.

In this match, Hanoi Police will miss Brazilian midfielder Leo Artur, who received a red card in the Round of 16 loss to Tampines Rovers in the AFC Champions League Two. His absence will certainly affect the police team’s lineup plans. Leo Artur is a key midfield link, helping control the pace and support the attack.

Nevertheless, Hanoi Police still have a relatively deep squad with several midfield alternatives. Coach Polking has experienced players available to fill the gap left by Leo Artur.

The postponed Round 10 V-League 2025 - 2026 match between Thanh Hóa and Hanoi Police will take place at 6 PM on February 24.