V-League 2026/27: Fierce relegation race with 2 direct relegation spots

The V-League 2026/27 season has officially kicked off with a major change in the format: the number of direct relegation spots has increased to 2 teams, with no play-off match. This means the relegation race will become more fierce than ever, and from the early stages of the season, many teams have been identified by experts as heavy candidates for the ticket back to the First Division. Among them, SLNA is the most notable name. Despite having a new sponsor, the Nghe An team still had to say goodbye to a series of important key players such as Michael Olaha, Carlos Fortes, Ngo Van Luong and Vuong Van Huy. The departure of these players leaves a big gap in the squad, especially in attack and midfield. Coach Van Sy Son did not hide his concern: "The pressure on us is huge when the squad is young and financial resources are limited. Some foreign players also need time to adapt to the V-League. Therefore, the whole team must prepare carefully, help new players quickly integrate and try to save points in each match." SLNA will start the season by hosting newly promoted Bac Ninh at Vinh Stadium on September 6. This is considered an important match, because both teams are in the relegation risk group. A favorable result will help either team create good momentum for the long road ahead. With home advantage, SLNA is rated higher, but Bac Ninh is not an easy opponent either as they have invested heavily in their squad. On the Bac Ninh side, the Kinh Bac team has prepared quite thoroughly after winning promotion. They parted ways with Huynh Tuan Linh, Truong Van Thiet and Ha Duc Chinh, while recruiting a series of new players such as Pierre Lamothe, Luong Hoang Nam, Le Tien Anh, overseas Vietnamese midfielder Minh-Kai, Le Van Xuan, Vu Tien Long, goalkeeper Nguyen Van Cong... In addition, this team also invested heavily in foreign players with three Brazilian players, notably midfielder Vitao and striker Brenner Marlos. However, Bac Ninh's squad is still considered not outstanding compared to the general level of the V-League. Lack of experience and bravery when first playing in the highest arena is a big challenge. If they do not accumulate the necessary points in the early stage, Hai Huy and his teammates will face many difficulties in the relegation race. Another newcomer, Dong Nai, also faces a season full of challenges. In their first time participating in the V-League, the Southeast team has invested heavily in their squad, but still has to rely heavily on the form of Cong Phuong and the leadership of coach Nguyen Viet Thang. Cong Phuong, despite being older, is still the team's main striker. If he maintains high form, Dong Nai can completely create surprises. However, if he unfortunately suffers an injury or declines in form, this team will have a very difficult time. In addition, having to get used to the high intensity of the V-League is also a difficult problem for newcomers. In addition to the above teams, Thanh Hoa and HAGL are also in the group that must focus on each round, especially the competition for relegation spots with their main opponents. Despite having many years in the V-League, difficulties in squad and finances still put these two teams at risk of relegation next season if they do not maintain stability. Thanh Hoa was once a team with an annoying playing style, but fluctuations in personnel and finances can affect their strength. Meanwhile, HAGL with a young squad full of potential but lacking match experience will need skillful guidance from the coaching staff to survive. With only 2 direct relegation spots, the relegation race will become extremely tense. Weak teams will have to compete fiercely in every match, especially direct confrontations with each other. A victory in those six-point matches can change the entire situation. In addition, accumulating points early will help teams reduce pressure in the final stage of the season, when physical strength and spirit are worn down. The key to successfully avoiding relegation is stability and the ability to seize opportunities. Teams need to have a reasonable tactic suitable for their current squad. For young teams like SLNA, Bac Ninh or Dong Nai, building a solid defensive style and making good use of set pieces can be effective. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa and HAGL need to use their experience to earn points in difficult times. In addition, the financial factor also plays an important role. Teams with strong financial resources can recruit quality foreign players, helping to improve squad strength. Conversely, teams with limited finances will face many difficulties in keeping key players and supplementing their squad. This explains why SLNA, despite having a new sponsor, still had to let many important players go. The V-League 2026/27 relegation race promises to be extremely attractive and dramatic. Teams rated low still have a chance if they know how to overcome difficulties, while teams with more potential are not allowed to be subjective. All will create an emotional season, where every match can decide the fate of a team. Will SLNA, Bac Ninh, Dong Nai, Thanh Hoa or HAGL be the names that have to say goodbye to the highest arena? The answer will be revealed through each round.