Played at Quy Nhon Stadium on June 16, the high-stakes encounter delivered plenty of tension as both sides battled for the last available ticket to Vietnam’s second tier.
Gia Dinh, boasting a squad packed with experienced players, made the brighter start and nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute. Huu Nhieu found himself with a golden opportunity from close range, but Lam Dong goalkeeper Lam Nhat produced a superb reflex save to keep the scores level.
That crucial stop helped Lam Dong settle into the match. The Central Highlands side gradually tightened their defensive shape and improved their organization, limiting Gia Dinh’s attacking threat despite the Ho Chi Minh City club enjoying more possession during the first half.
The second period was a closely contested affair, with both teams exchanging attacks but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Most of the action unfolded in midfield, while defensive discipline remained a defining feature of the match.
The closest either side came to a breakthrough arrived in the 83rd minute when Gia Dinh goalkeeper Anh Tri momentarily spilled a high ball inside the penalty area. However, he reacted quickly enough to regain control before any Lam Dong player could capitalize.
With neither team able to find a winner after 90 minutes, the decisive playoff was settled by a penalty shootout.
The drama intensified from the spot. Lam Dong missed two of their opening attempts and appeared to be on the verge of heartbreak. However, goalkeeper Lam Nhat emerged as the hero of the afternoon, producing two crucial saves during the first five rounds to keep his side alive and level the shootout at 3-3.
He then delivered another match-winning save in the sixth round, paving the way for Lam Dong to claim a thrilling 4-3 victory and secure promotion.
The result completed the lineup of promoted teams from the 2026 National Second Division Championship. Alongside Hue FC and Hanoi FC Youth Team, Lam Dong will compete in the 2026/27 National First Division season.
Final Results – 2026 National Second Division Championship
🏆 Joint Champions:
- Hue FC
- Hanoi FC Youth Team
⬆️ Promoted to V.League 2 – 2026/27:
- Hue FC
- Hanoi FC Youth Team
- Lam Dong FC
⬇️ Relegated to the 2026/2027 National Third Division:
- Phu Dong FC Youth team
- Mekong Can Tho
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