Facing Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) at their home ground, Thien Truong Stadium, Thep Xanh Nam Dinh was eager for a victory to strengthen their lead. However, SLNA, with their young and enthusiastic players, confident after an unbeaten streak of three wins and one draw, showed why they are considered a symbol of the professional national championship.
Despite being the away team and playing under the pressure of 14,000 spectators at Thien Truong Stadium, SLNA performed admirably and even took the lead. Thep Xanh Nam Dinh’s efforts only earned them an equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a shared point with SLNA at home.
This draw did not impact Thep Xanh Nam Dinh’s top position on the leaderboard, as coach Vu Hong Viet’s team still maintained a relatively safe point gap over the chasing group.
Hanoi FC Climbs to Third Place
The 22nd round of Night Wolf V.League 1 2023/24 saw Hanoi FC reaching a notable milestone by securing the third position on the leaderboard. This is the first time this season that Hanoi FC has been in the top three, coinciding with their recognition as the Best Team of May and Daiki Iwamasa as the Best Coach of May.
After a challenging start to the season, Hanoi FC seems to have regained their form at the most critical time of the campaign. With their experience and class as six-time V.League champions, Hanoi FC is expected to add excitement to the title race in the last four rounds of the 2023/24 season.
Khanh Hoa Relegated
In contrast to Hanoi FC, Khanh Hoa, who recently lost to Hanoi FC in the 22nd round of Night Wolf V.League 1 2023/24, is the bearer of a different milestone, officially relegated to V.League 2 next season, four rounds early.
Currently, Khanh Hoa trails LPBank HAGL by 16 points, with only four rounds remaining. Even if they win all 12 points available in the remaining matches, they cannot close the point gap. Despite their relegation, Khanh Hoa played with determination and effort against Hanoi FC, even taking the lead in the first half.
With such spirit and attitude, Khanh Hoa’s return to the top-tier professional league is likely not far off, similar to how SHB Da Nang earned promotion to Night Wolf V.League 1 after just one season in V.League 2.
Intense Relegation Battle
While Khanh Hoa’s 14th place is set, the battle to avoid the 13th position, which leads to a play-off match against the second-placed team in V.League 2, remains fiercely contested.
Currently, LPBank HAGL holds the 13th spot, but they are only behind Quang Nam (12th) and SLNA (11th) on goal difference. Even Hong Linh Ha Tinh, in 10th place, is just one point ahead of LPBank HAGL.
Thus, in the remaining rounds of Night Wolf V.League 1 2023/24, the race to escape the 13th position promises to be as intense and dramatic as the fight for the top positions on the leaderboard.
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