The 2024/25 V-League season has seen several contenders emerge for the championship title. However, despite the close competition, the quality and appeal of the league have yet to meet fan expectations.

A tightly contested race

Midway through the season, Thanh Hoa and Thep Xanh Nam Dinh are leading the standings with 22 and 20 points, respectively. However, both teams have played one match more than their closest competitors, including Viettel FC and Hanoi FC, who trail with 18 and 17 points.

The narrow point gaps suggest that the standings could shift dramatically in the next two to three rounds if teams like Viettel and Hanoi maintain their winning form while Thanh Hoa or Nam Dinh falter.

Even teams like Ha Noi Police (CAHN), Ha Tinh, and Binh Duong have shown potential to break into the top three as the season progresses.

This level of parity makes it difficult to predict who will ultimately lift the championship trophy, especially since the league is yet to reach its halfway mark.

A competitive yet uninspiring season

While the close competition on the leaderboard might suggest an exciting season, the reality is that the league has struggled to deliver high-quality football.

Among the title contenders, only Thanh Hoa has maintained a distinct playing style under coach Popov’s system, developed over several seasons. Other teams, including defending champions Nam Dinh and perennial contenders Hanoi FC, have been inconsistent and lackluster.

This lack of identity and coherent gameplay has contributed to the league's inability to captivate audiences despite the intense competition.

Adapting to change and improving quality

One factor affecting the teams could be the league's new schedule, which now spans two years instead of being confined to a few months. As teams adjust to this format, there is hope that they will find stability and rediscover their strengths.

This improvement is crucial not only for the league’s reputation but also for elevating the quality of the national team as they prepare to tackle greater challenges on the international stage.

For now, fans can only hope that the second half of the season will deliver the excitement and quality that the V-League has yet to showcase.

Duy Nguyen