Nam Dinh FC could clinch the championship as early as May

Nam Dinh, May 8, 2025 – Nam Dinh FC leads the 2024-2025 V.League 1 with 42 points after 21 rounds, five points ahead of Hanoi FC (37 points) and six ahead of The Cong Viettel (36 points), per VPF standings. With five matches remaining, coach Vu Hong Viet’s squad needs just 10 points to secure a second consecutive title, potentially clinching by June 15, one round early, regardless of rivals’ results, per Soccer24 stats.

A faster coronation is possible. If Hanoi FC and The Cong Viettel both lose in Rounds 22 and 23, and Nam Dinh FC secure six points against Thanh Hoa FC (May 11, home) and Quang Nam FC (May 16, away), the champions could seal the title by May 18, post-Round 23, with three rounds to spare. This scenario is plausible given Hanoi FC’s recent 3-0 loss to Nam Dinh FC and The Cong Viettel’s inconsistent away form, per VFF reports, though Hanoi Police FC’s resurgence mirrors their challenge.

Nam Dinh FC’s remaining fixtures include three home games at Thien Truong Stadium (15,000 capacity, akin to Song Lam Nghe An’s Vinh) against Thanh Hoa FC, Ho Chi Minh City FC (May 24), and Hanoi Police FC (June 15), and two away matches against Quang Nam FC and Hai Phong FC (June 7). Their 37 goals scored, led by Brenner Marlos’ nine, and league-best 14 goals conceded, per Sofascore, bolster their edge, unlike Becamex Binh Duong’s defensive woes.

Remaining Fixtures for Nam Dinh FC:

• May 11: vs. Thanh Hoa FC (H)
• May 16: at Quang Nam FC (A)
• May 24: vs. Ho Chi Minh City FC (H)
• June 7: at Hai Phong FC (A)
• June 15: vs. Hanoi Police FC (H)

Nam Dinh FC’s 3-0 Round 21 rout of Hanoi FC at Hang Day, with Kevin Pham Ba’s stunner, showcased their depth, echoing Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s 2015 flair. Hanoi FC face tough trips to Hong Linh Ha Tinh and The Cong Viettel, while Viettel meet Hoang Anh Gia Lai next, per 24h.com.vn. A slip by either could hand Nam Dinh FC the crown early, especially with their +23 goal difference dwarfing Hanoi FC’s +12, per VPF rules.

Hong Viet, leveraging Nam Dinh FC’s 90% title odds, per FootyRankings, aims to lock in the AFC Champions League Two spot by May 18, mirroring Thanh Hoa FC’s 2023 surge. With 10,000 fans expected at Thien Truong, akin to Hai Phong FC’s Lach Tray, Nam Dinh FC’s blend of youth like Ly Cong Hoang Anh and veterans like Tran Nguyen Manh positions them to outpace rivals and cement their dynasty, potentially before facing Binh Dinh FC in the National Cup semifinal.