2023/2024 V.League 1 has officially determined the team to be relegated early

In a dramatic turn of events in Round 22 of V-League 2023/2024, Khanh Hoa has been officially relegated even before taking the field. The relegation comes after critical matches on May 30th, where Ha Tinh secured a 1-0 victory over Hanoi Police FC, and Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) drew 1-1, resulting in Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) dropping to the penultimate position with 25 points.

Currently, Khanh Hoa sits at the bottom of the V-League table with only 10 points, trailing 15 points behind SLNA. With just five matches remaining in the season, even if Khanh Hoa were to win all their remaining games and SLNA were to lose theirs, both teams would end up with 25 points. However, Khanh Hoa would still face relegation due to their inferior head-to-head record against SLNA.

According to V-League regulations, the head-to-head record is the first tiebreaker when two teams are level on points. This season, Khanh Hoa lost both encounters with SLNA, suffering a 0-1 defeat in the first leg and a 1-2 loss in the second leg. This head-to-head disadvantage has sealed Khanh Hoa’s fate, sending them to a lower division next season.

While Khanh Hoa’s relegation is confirmed, the battle to avoid the play-off spot remains intense. The gap between SLNA, currently in the 13th position, and Ha Tinh in the 10th position is a mere two points, making the upcoming matches crucial for all involved teams.

On May 31st, SLNA will face a tough away game against Nam Dinh at 18:00, while Khanh Hoa will meet Hanoi FC at 19:15. The outcomes of these matches could further shape the bottom of the table and the fight for survival in V-League.

Khanh Hoa’s early relegation is a significant blow to the club, which has struggled throughout the season. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to climb out of the relegation zone, and now must look towards rebuilding and aiming for a return to the top flight in the future. The focus will now shift to the remaining teams as they battle to avoid the dreaded play-off spot, ensuring a dramatic conclusion to the V.League 1 season.