Hoàng Anh Gia Lai players train for the upcoming matches of the V.League 1. — Photo courtesy of HAGL

HÀ NỘI — Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC are showing clear signs of revival in the 2025-26 V.League 1 season after opening a healthy gap over their relegation rivals with a series of disciplined performances.

The club have collected 22 points so far and now sit nine points clear of bottom side SHB Đà Nẵng FC and eight ahead of PVF-CAND FC, who currently occupy the play-off position. The advantage has provided a significant psychological lift as the season enters its decisive stage.

A narrow 1-0 win over Sông Lam Nghệ An and a hard-fought draw against Hải Phòng FC earned HAGL four valuable points and moved the side further away from danger.

Heavy rain in Nghệ An Province exposed a different side to HAGL’s game. After a prolonged slump marked by poor results, the team have rediscovered stability through a more disciplined and pragmatic approach.

The victory against SLNA was important not only for the three points but also as evidence of HAGL’s resilience during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s recent history. Across their last two matches, the side collected four valuable points, a strong return for a team that had been facing a serious relegation threat.

Much of the renewed confidence among supporters has come from HAGL’s organised defence. Goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên, who stands at 1.91m, alongside centre-backs Jairo Rodrigues (1.90m) and Đinh Quang Kiệt (1.95m), has helped form a formidable defensive unit capable of dealing with most aerial threats.

That solid back line has also allowed the coaching staff to maximise the club’s trademark counter-attacking style. With quick forwards such as Marciel Silva and Junior Batista, HAGL do not need to press high up the pitch to create dangerous chances.

The next two home matches at Pleiku Stadium against PVF-CAND and Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh FC could prove decisive in HAGL’s fight for survival.

Victory over PVF-CAND on May 10 could extend the gap above the relegation zone to 11 points, leaving HAGL on the verge of mathematically securing safety with four matches remaining.

PVF-CAND are currently 13th in the standings with 14 points, one point above bottom side SHB Đà Nẵng.

The match will be officiated by Malaysian referee Muhammad Izzul Fikri Bin Kamaruzaman. Born in 1995, he previously worked as a VAR official in matches involving Hà Nội Police FC against Phù Đổng Ninh Bình and in the Hà Nội derby between Hà Nội FC and Hà Nội Police. — VNS