Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau need a draw to stay in V.League 2

Khatoco Khanh Hoa will receive Ba Ria-Vung Tau at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium in round 20 of Gold Star V.League 2-2024/25 on May 26. A draw is enough for both sides to stay in the league. 

The match between Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in the first leg. (Source: VPF)

Phu Dong Ninh Binh officially secured a promotion to V.League 1 next season following their resounding 3-0 win over Ho Chi Minh City's junior team in round 19. Phu Dong Ninh Binh clinched their promotion with three matches to spare, boasting an impressive unbeaten run of 16 wins and 1 draw (49 points), scoring 34 goals and conceding only 2. Consequently, the race for the promotion play-off has narrowed to a competition between Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc (41 points, 18 matches, 2nd in the standings) and PVF - People's Police (34 points, 17 matches, 3rd position). Theoretically, PVF - People's Police still have a chance to overturn the situation and seize a play-off spot if they secure absolute victories in their final three matches and Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc fail to win at least two of their remaining games. However, this scenario appears highly improbable as Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc will strive their best to grab the opportunity for the promotion play-off. Cong Phuong and his teammates need just one more win to clinch the 2nd position, regardless of PVF - People's Police’s results in the remaining rounds. Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc have a break in round 20. Meanwhile, PVF - People's Police will play away against Dong Thap. This presents an opportunity for PVF - People's Police to narrow the point gap and keep their hope alive.

The relegation battle in round 20 promises captivating clashes among the bottom-ranked teamsnamely Hue (12 points, bottom of the table), Long An (14 points, second to last), Hoa Binh (15 points, 9th), and Dong Thap (16 points, 8th). Hue are facing the highest risk of relegation, sitting last with one more game played than other the others. If Hue cannot get 3 points against Long An in round 20, there is almost no chance for them to avoid relegation.

In round 20, Khatoco Khanh Hoa will return to their home ground of 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Currently, both teams have 18 points (after 17 matches) and occupy 6th and 7th positions respectively on the league table. Both Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau need just one more point from their final three matches to secure their place in the league next season. Therefore, in their upcoming match, neither Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau needs to exert excessive effort to win. A draw will be enough to ensure survival for both teams.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N