With a 9-point gap from the team behind them, Bắc Ninh, and only 6 rounds remaining in the First Division season, Trường Tươi Đồng Nai Club, with Minh Vương, Xuân Trường, and Công Phượng, is advancing very close to a spot in the 2026/27 V-League.
In the promotion goal of the Southeast region club, familiar names likeMinh Vương, Xuân Trường are not just nostalgic symbols but also professional pillars guiding the team to the highest level of Vietnamese football.

Minh Vương and his Đồng Nai teammates secured a pivotal victory for promotion on the Quy Nhơn pitch on April 25 evening. Photo: VPF
A 9-point lead in the final stage is not absolute, but it creates a significant psychological advantage.
When the chasing opponent likeBắc Ninhhas played one fewer match (against Phú Thọ in round 16 this afternoon), everything can still change.

Xuân Trường and his teammates are approaching V-League. Photo: TTĐN
However, what makes Đồng Nai distinct is not just the points, but also greater stability and composure, something that coachHLV Việt Thắnghas maintained throughout 16 rounds with an unbeaten record and the most solid defense in the league. That is the foundation to believe the door to V-League is opening clearly.

Coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng's knack is again evident with a First Division club. Photo: TTĐN
In the victory over Quy Nhơn on April 25 afternoon, Minh Vương directly contributed to two goals, showcasing the caliber of a striker who has competed at the top level of V-League. While Công Phượng has hardly contributed this season due to injury, fortunately Coach Việt Thắng still has Minh Vương, Tự Nhân, and Sandro in the attack.
The duo Sandro and Minh Vương have scored 12 goals in this year's First Division league, out of Đồng Nai's total 33 goals after round 16. They are currently the best striker pair below V-League.
Coach Nguyễn Việt Thắngseems to have a special "affinity" with promotion campaigns. After helping Ninh Bình reach V-League, the coach nicknamed Thắng "bế" continues to demonstrate his ability to build a solid collective at Đồng Nai.
This team is not only strong individually but also has youth and experience, something many opponents in the First Division lack.
In reality, compared to last season, the promotion race this year is less intense. Last year, the race featured strong clubs like PVF CAND and Ninh Bình with high determination and expertise. Therefore, Đồng Nai's journey this year is "more comfortable."
Most importantly, it is understandable that Coach Việt Thắng's club patiently invests and achieves results. Đồng Nai seized the opportunity to break ahead. With 33 goals scored and only 11 conceded, Đồng Nai possesses both the best attack and defense in the league, and those are telling numbers for their promotion ambition.
Nevertheless, the final 6 rounds are still a stretch where complacency is not allowed. Coach Việt Thắng knows what to do to keep his players unbeaten. With Minh Vương's current form, the support of foreign players like Sandro, and the experience of those who have competed at the top level, Đồng Nai has the right to control their destiny.
If the ticket to V-League becomes reality, it is not just the success of one club, but also the return of familiar icons. Vietnamese football fans are awaiting the day to see Công Phượng, Minh Vương, and Xuân Trường shine on the biggest stage once again.
V-League, with Đồng Nai and those names added, will certainly attract many more fans.