(Live football) - PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh face off in a tense playoff with opposing objectives: one team fights to remain in the V.League, and the other dreams of making history.
PVF-CAND enters the relegation playoff with mixed emotions. The police team staged an impressive sprint finish, ending the season in 13th place with 24 points—level with Becamex TP.HCM but ahead on head-to-head record. This is considered an encouraging outcome for coach Tran Tien Dai's squad after a tough period.
However, this ranking was insufficient to guarantee PVF-CAND's direct retention in the V.League. They must now face a decisive battle against Bắc Ninh, the First Division runners-up. This is a formidable challenge, as the opponents have demonstrated immense ambition in their quest to debut in Vietnam's highest football tier.
Experience-wise, PVF-CAND holds a clear edge, having played in numerous high-stakes encounters. This marks their third appearance in a promotion playoff. Yet, the previous two attempts ended in disappointment. In 2019, under the name Pho Hien, they lost to Thanh Hoa in the promotion decider. In the 2023/24 season, PVF-CAND was again stopped by Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
These past setbacks have undoubtedly placed psychological pressure on PVF-CAND. Nevertheless, in this return, Coach Tran Tien Dai's side has prepared differently, having just completed a grueling V.League campaign. The more demanding competition has allowed the players to gain valuable experience, particularly in matches that determine fate.
On the flip side, Bắc Ninh is no pushover. The Kinh Bac club has received strong investment, benefits from the expertise of advisor Park Hang-seo, and boasts several players with V.League experience, including Hai Huy, Duc Chinh, Tuan Linh, Mai Xuan Quyet, Pham Van Thanh, and Ngan Van Dai.
The most prominent figure in Bắc Ninh's lineup is forward Bruno Cunha. The former V.League top scorer has quickly demonstrated his quality, netting 10 goals despite only joining the club in the second half of the season. In a game where a single flash of brilliance can alter the course, Bruno's finishing prowess could be the special weapon that allows Bắc Ninh to pull off an upset.