The 2025/26 V.League 2 season finally kicked off this weekend, with 12 teams lining up after Hòa Bình’s withdrawal. For me, it meant a short 7km ride to Thống Nhất Stadium — the easiest trip I’ll make all year — to see Thanh Niên take on newcomers Bắc Ninh FC.
I’ve always enjoyed second-division football here. It’s taken me to places I’d never otherwise visit, and last year I finally completed the set — Bình Phước (fantastic ground and fanbase) and Hòa Bình (a beautiful spot). With the league reshuffled again, there are new names to check out and a few old favourites to revisit.
The Teams
Bắc Ninh arrived with money, ambition, and a squad stacked with experience. They’ve also got Park Hang-seo, the former Vietnam national manager, working as sporting director. Among their ranks: Tuấn Linh in goal, defender Thanh Long, captain Hải Huy (350+ top-flight games) and striker Hà Đức Chinh — who, unbelievably, is now already 27, which makes me feel very old!
Thanh Niên, on the other hand, are basically a team of loanees from the HAGL Academy. Last season they went by HCM Youth. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.
The Crowd & the Bánh Mì
Bắc Ninh had already won at Thống Nhất in the Cup a week earlier, and this time they were again backed by around 150 noisy fans in bright yellow and blue. The main stand was fuller than usual, mostly neutrals leaning towards the home side. No drums or chanting, but a good vibe.
Entry was free, as usual in V.League 2. I picked up a 20k bánh mì from a cart out front — average at best. Other fans seemed to have far better ones, probably picked up en route. I’ve still yet to find a decent option right by the stadium.
The Match
Teams are now allowed one foreign player in the starting XI. Naturally, that means almost every club signs a Brazilian striker. For Bắc Ninh, it was Kaina. For Thanh Niên, Victor Sales.
The game started slowly, with the visitors looking more assured. Kaina had a header well saved by Vũ Hải, then smashed the rebound against the bar. Bắc Ninh’s quality was showing, but Thanh Niên held firm.
One thing I really dislike in this league is the time-wasting. Goalkeepers are the worst. Vũ Hải, who in fairness was excellent on the night and probably man of the match, went down feigning injury after almost every save. If the ball hurts, maybe don’t be a goalkeeper. Referees just wave the physio on.
Right after the break, Kaina had the perfect chance to put it right from the penalty spot. Instead, he blazed it over. It just wasn’t his night.
Bắc Ninh rolled on subs Phạm Văn Thanh and Ngân Văn Đại, showing their depth. Hải Huy flashed a shot wide, and Thanh Long went close from a couple of corners. Hà Đức Chinh was denied late on by Vũ Hải — who of course stayed down afterwards.
Thanh Niên did break away a couple of times, but Victor Sales was too isolated to make much of an impact. He looked tidy though, and I’ll be curious to see more of him as the season goes on.
The Verdict
It finished 0-0. The neutrals cheered the draw, happy to see Thanh Niên’s youngsters frustrate their more experienced visitors. Bắc Ninh should be contenders for promotion, while Thanh Niên will take plenty of confidence from holding out. Last year, celebrating draws helped them to a fourth-place finish.
For me, it was a lively start to the season. Next up — probably more V.League 2 next weekend. Just a case of where to go.