SLNA players train for their final match against Thể Công Viettel at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on Sunday. — Photo courtesy of SLNA

Football

HÀ NỘI — Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) are in danger of having a playoff to avoid relegation from V.League 1.

SLNA are currently ranked 13 out of 14 teams, with only 27 points after 25 matches. This puts them two points behind nearest rivals Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and Hà Tĩnh. To avoid the playoffs, SLNA must win their final match against Thể Công Viettel at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on Sunday.

In addition to beating Thể Công Viettel, SLNA will also have to hope for favourable results in the matches between Hà Tĩnh and Thanh Hóa, as well as HAGL vs Hải Phòng. If Hà Tĩnh or HAGL fail to win their matches, it could open the door for SLNA to avoid the playoff.

However, defeating Thể Công Viettel is a daunting prospect, as the team is in excellent form and determined to secure fourth place by the end of the season. Meanwhile, Thanh Hóa and Hải Phòng appear to have accomplished their goals for the V.League 1 2023/24 season, sitting in 9th and 7th place respectively, suggesting they might have an easier time in their upcoming matches, making it likely that SLNA will have to participate in the playoff to maintain their spot in the top division.

Even if SLNA do have to go through the playoff, the team, led by coach Phạm Anh Tuấn, are still highly regarded, with a number of young players who have matured early and been well-trained in the league.

Meanwhile, the V.League 1 championship has already been awarded to Nam Định at Thiên Trường Stadium. The final match on Sunday between Nam Định and Quảng Nam is now a mere formality, as Quảng Nam have also secured their survival. VNS