Round 16 of the First Division: Waiting for the decisive sprint in the final stage!

The competition for both promotion and relegation positions in the First Division is now at a critical juncture.

Traveling as guests to face Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ Club, Bắc Ninh Club's goal remains victory, as only a win can keep their hope alive to catch up and seize the top spot in the standings, currently held by Trường Tươi Đồng Nai Club. At this crucial moment, coach Paulo Foiani's team secured a 3-1 win against the high-performing opponent Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ, with two decisive goals scored in the final ten minutes of the match.

The victory solidifies Bắc Ninh Club's second-place position with fierce pursuit from Quy Nhơn United Club (32 points versus 27 points), while maintaining hope to challenge the top spot occupied by Trường Tươi Đồng Nai Club. This win also serves as a crucial stepping stone for coach Paulo Foiani's team as they prepare to host Đồng Nai Club in Round 18 on May 8th. If they maintain their winning streak and overcome their opponent in Round 18, Bắc Ninh Club would be only 3 points away from the top spot (currently, the gap is 6 points – 32 versus 38 points), with 6 rounds remaining in the First Division.

After recent unsuccessful rounds, Quy Nhơn United Club still holds the third position in the standings. However, the pressure to defend this position for the martial land's team is immense, as behind them, 4-5 clubs could close in and overtake them within just 2-3 rounds.

TP.HCM Club sits right behind Quy Nhơn United Club in the temporary standings. This team once climbed high, occupying the second position. But in the last three rounds, coach Minh Phương's squad suffered two defeats and one draw, gradually slipping down. However, the current 2-point gap between the two teams (25 points versus 27 points) is a "thin" margin, and TP.HCM Club's race for the top three remains open ahead.

PVF-CAND Youth Club quietly but strongly advances on the standings. After Round 16, this team temporarily holds the fifth position with 24 points. Among their six victories up to Round 16, PVF-CAND Youth Club secured three wins since the start of the second half (with one draw and one loss remaining). This shows that PVF-CAND Youth Club is improving as they play and currently maintains high form. Therefore, they could be a name that adds excitement to the top-three race alongside other competitors.

The bottom group, after Round 16 of the First Division, has "heated up" as TP.HCM Youth Club won 1-0 against their immediate upper-ranked opponent, Long An Club. This first victory of the season helped TP.HCM Youth Club narrow the gap to just 1 point from the safe position held by Long An Club (7 points versus 8 points). Thus, the relegation battle will remain highly exciting, tense, and unpredictable in the remaining journey.

Đồng Tháp Club managed to secure a valuable victory against Khatoco Khánh Hòa Club to create a safer distance in the relegation fight. The victory allows Đồng Tháp Club to establish a 5-point gap from Long An Club and a 6-point gap from TP.HCM Youth Club. Notably, in Round 19, Đồng Tháp Club will host Long An Club…

Công Phượng and Xuân Trường likely to reappear in V-League

Before Round 16 of the First Division: Major battle in the 'Martial Land'